Minnesota RETAIN Impact Evaluation

One-Year Impact Evaluation of Minnesota Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN)

This study is a randomized control trial (RCT) to evaluate the impact of RETAIN program expansion and services on workforce retention and reduction of future workplace disability in the state of MN. Collaboration between partners to implement best practices in early intervention to support injured or ill employees in stay at work and return to work will be implemented.

MN RETAIN is a collaborative program led by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Mayo Clinic, and Workforce Development Inc (WDI) and includes stakeholders throughout MN.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must have been unable to work for no more than 6 months prior enrollment; 80% of participants must be within 3 months of their last day of work

• 18 years or older

• Minnesota resident

• Works in Minnesota

• Employed or currently in the labor force

• Meets one of the following:

  1. Diagnosis of a work related or personal injury or illness that impacts employment
  2. Invasive procedure (e.g., surgery) within the past 12-weeks or anticipated within the next 8-weeks that impacts employment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Legal representation/litigation at the time of enrollment related to their medical condition.
• Does not have the capacity to give appropriate informed consent
• Employed by a RETAIN healthcare recipient or subrecipient with an existing return to work program for employees (i.e. Mayo Clinic employees)
• Worker's compensation recipients that have a qualified rehabilitation consultant (QRC) or a disability case manager (DCM)