BACKGROUND: The Redesigning Daily Occupations (ReDO (TM)) work rehabilitation method has been found effective, compared with care as usual (CAU), for women with stress-related disorders. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a long-term follow-up of former ReDO (TM) and CAU participants with respect to sick leave, well-being and everyday occupations 3-4 years after completed work rehabilitation. METHODS: Forty-two women in each group participated. An index day was decided to estimate sick-leave rate, retrieved from register data. Fifty-five women also participated in a telephone interview addressing well-being, everyday occupations and life events. RESULTS: Both groups had reduced their sick-leave rate further, but no difference between the groups was established. The ReDO (TM) women perceived a better balance in the work domain of everyday occupations, whereas the CAU group reported more over-occupation. No differences were found on well-being. The groups had experienced similar important life events, affecting the women's work and private lives. Previous stress and anxiety predicted sick leave at the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although theReDO (TM) intervention had speeded up return towork in the immediate follow-up perspective, the CAU had caught up in the longer term. Still, the ReDO (TM) women exhibited better balance in the work domain.
