Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

A Naturalistic Trial of Nudging Clinicians in the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic. The NSAC Nudge Study

Norway1,180 participantsStarted 2021-09-06

Plain-language summary

The Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic (NSAC) Nudge Study is a naturalistic randomized controlled multicentre trial which aim is to measure the efficacy of nudging clinicians' attention towards patients' motivation for work, barriers for return to work and work environment challenges, on functional recovery as primary outcome, and health outcomes as secondary outcome. Patients will be recruited in five different NSACs across northern Norway. In total 1100 patients will be randomized to two equal probability treatment arms: 1) NSAC with the nudge, and 2) NSAC without the nudge. The nudge is tailored to the individual patient's needs using survey, and the clinicians are presented with a summary of this patient survey prior to consultations highlighting health problems and challenges as reported by the patient in the survey.

Who can participate

Age range

23 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * For the study, the single inclusion criteria is that the patient is offered a consultation or treatment at the NSAC (Norwegian: HiA). Exclusion Criteria: * Aged younger than 23 years at time of referral. The NSACs have guidelines that describe eligibility for treatment, and excludes patients that are either too healthy for the measure, too sick for the measure, not relevant diagnosis or otherwise not considered being in the target group for the measure.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Functional recovery: status, plan and prognosis for employment versus sickness absence

Timeframe: At last appointment at NSAC (can vary substantially between patients, but generally < 3 months after first appointment at NSAC)

Functional recovery: sickness absence self-report

Timeframe: Up to 31 months post baseline survey

Functional recovery: sickness absence registry data

Timeframe: 12 months post baseline survey

Functional recovery: disability benefits

Timeframe: 60 months post baseline survey

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05006976

SponsorNordlandssykehuset HF

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-04-12

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