SWAP

Study design

Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

Primary objective

What is the effect of the addition of a vocational advice service to best current care compared to best current care alone, for adults with musculoskeletal conditions in primary care absent from or struggling to remain in work? Is the addition of a vocational advice service to best current care compared to best current care alone for adults with musculoskeletal conditions in primary care absent from or struggling to remain in work cost effective? What are the experiences of patients, GPs/NPs and vocational advisors of a primary care based vocational advice service?              

Primary outcome measure: The number of days off work over 4 months from entry into the trial. Days off work in this context jointly captures sick leave issued by the GP and shorter length self-certified absences that don’t require GP sign-off. 

Interventions

Control practices: Will provide best current care by GPs and NPs in addition to all other usual care that patients may require for their musculoskeletal pain.

Intervention practices: Will also provide best current care and all other care as usual. In addition to best current care a vocational advice service will be available to intervention practices. Patients who require help and support in remaining at or returning to work may also be referred to the vocational advice service by their GP or NP, irrespective of whether they also consent to participate in the research evaluation.