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NCT Number: NCT06888999

In Vitro Exposure by VR to Enhance Return to Work After Sick Leave Due to Mental Health Related Complaints

The goal of this pilot randomised controlled trial is to investigate whether in vitro exposure by VR enhances return to work (RTW) in flight cabin crew on sick leave with mental health related complaints. The main research questions are: 1. Does VR enhances time to RTW? 2. Does VR increase self-efficacy and positive cognitions regarding RTW, and decrease job anxiety? Researchers will compare a control group receiving care as usual as provided by the occupational physician and a psychologist to an intervention group receiving care as usual plus (al least) one session with VR-glasses in which participants are virtually exposed to their workplace.

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Key information

Conditions

Return to Work Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Occupational Diseases Occupational Stress Self-Efficacy Stress, Psychological

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

This study evaluates the effectiveness of in vitro exposure to the workplace by means of VR to decrease time to RTW of sick-listed flight cabin crew with mental health related complaints compared to usual care. The study design is a pilot randomized controlled trial, including an intervention and control group. Sick-listed workers in the control group receive care as usual from the occupational physician and a psychologist. Sick-listed workers in the intervention group receive care as usual from the occupational physician and a psychologist and participate in a VR-session. During the VR-session, guided by the psychologist, participants are virtually exposed to their workplace. Data on the primary outcome of RTW is collected based on the register data from the occupational health service (6 and 12 months after baseline). Data on secondary outcomes (self-efficacy, cognitions regarding RTW and job anxiety) is collected with baseline and follow-up questionnaires (4 months after baseline).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • sick listed cabin crew with mental health related complaints that are referred by the occupational physician to a specific psychotherapist practice

Exclusion criteria

  • epilepsy
  • vestibular disorder
  • no signed informed consent

Treatment and study plan

In vitro exposure to workplace by VR plus care as usual

Other

During the VR-session, guided by the psychologist, participants are virtually exposed to their workplace using VR glasses. Based on the experience of the participants during the vitual visit to their workplace, the psychologist can adjust the therapy. In addition care as usual is provided (see description active comparator).

Care as usual: Guidance from occupational physician and psychologist focused on returning to work

Other

Guidance by the occupational physician and a psychologist from a psychologist practice specialized in counseling cabin crew and guiding them with returning to work.

Primary outcomes

  1. Time to RTW

    Time frame: 6 months and 12 months after baseline

    Time between start of sickness absence until participant is considered 'fit to fly' by the occupational physician, measured by register data from the occupational health service.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Stress-related complaints

    Time frame: Baseline and 4-months follow-up

    Stress-related complaints (e.g., type of disease, severity of symptoms) by means of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The PSS-10 consists of 10 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). A high score means more stress-related complaints

  2. Self-efficacy regarding return to work

    Time frame: Baseline and 4-months follow-up

    Self-efficacy regarding return to work measured by Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy scale (RTW-SE). The RTW-SE contains of 11 items. The items are rated on a five point scale The response categories vary from 1 (totally disagree) to 6 (totally agree). A high score means more return to work self-efficacy

  3. Attitude regarding return to work

    Time frame: Baseline and 4-months follow-up

    Scale on attitude regarding return to work. Attitude regarding return to work is measured with a 8-item scale measuring the attitude towards working again. The items are rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (disagree very strongly) to 4 (agree very strongly). A higher score means a more positive attitude towards return to work.

  4. Job anxiety

    Time frame: Baseline and 4-months follow-up

    Anxiety related to the job measured by the Job Anxiety Scale. The items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from of 0 (no agreement) to 4 (full agreement). A higher score means more job anxiety.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Maartje C. Bakhuys Roozeboom, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

0031619352778

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)

Other

Collaborators

  • KLM Health Services
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Villa Uitzicht

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Mar 21, 2025
Registry last updated
Jan 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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