Cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment in sick-listed patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized, controlled trial with one-year follow-up.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a return-to-work outpatient multidisciplinary treatment programme for sick-listed workers with non-specific upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up was carried out. Thirty-eight subjects were allocated to multidisciplinary treatment (intervention, n=23), or to usual care provided by occupational health services (n=15).