Vermont RETAIN for Disability

This trial aims to assist people in Vermont who have experienced an injury or illness affecting their ability to work. It tests methods to improve employment outcomes by offering special services to help individuals remain at work or return to work. Participants will either receive these services, part of the Vermont RETAIN program, or receive information about job resources and provider training. Individuals may be a good fit if they live or work in Vermont, have recently faced a limiting health issue, and are currently working or job hunting. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to access innovative support services that could enhance employment prospects.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that the Vermont RETAIN program helps people return to work after an illness or injury. The program offers expert advice on working safely and provides access to helpful resources. The trial is marked as "Not Applicable" for its phase, indicating a focus on evaluating program strategies rather than testing new drugs or medical devices. As a result, there are no typical safety concerns like drug side effects. Designed to support people safely, the program is generally considered low-risk.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about Vermont RETAIN because it offers a proactive approach to managing work disability. Unlike traditional methods that often focus on treatment after long-term unemployment has set in, RETAIN emphasizes early intervention. This program integrates employment services with healthcare, aiming to prevent disability-related job loss by identifying risks early and providing support before work disability becomes chronic. By bridging the gap between employment and health services, RETAIN has the potential to keep more people engaged in the workforce, reducing the impact of long-term unemployment.

Research has shown that Vermont RETAIN aims to help people stay employed if they risk leaving their jobs due to injury or illness. In this trial, participants in the RETAIN Programming arm receive the full set of RETAIN intervention activities, which combine medical support with strategies to keep people working or help them return to work. Early results suggest that these supports can reduce the number of days people miss work and help prevent long-term unemployment. By focusing on early intervention, Vermont RETAIN seeks to prevent work-related disabilities from becoming long-term issues. The program's success is measured through various data collection methods to assess its impact.¹²³⁴⁵