Return-to-work experiences of individuals with common mental disorders within disability-based insurance systems explored within a mental health recovery framework: a scoping review

Abstract Purpose This study investigates the vocational recovery and return-to-work (RTW) experiences of individuals with common mental disorders (CMDs) within disability-based insurance systems, assessing alignment with the Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning, and Empowerment (CHIME) model. ‘Disability-based’ refers to systems where eligibility depends on the presence of a health condition regardless of its cause, operating through social insurance in European countries and life insurance in Australia. Methods Through a qualitative scoping review under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-ScR) framework we reviewed qualitative peer-reviewed studies on RTW for people with CMDs from five electronic databases and mapped findings to CHIME dimensions noting unclassifiable content. Results Analysis of 11 studies revealed complex RTW processes for individuals with CMDs within disability-based insurance systems, emphasising the importance of CHIME dimensions. Key findings identified the necessity of supportive relationships and structured rehabilitation services for successful vocational recovery. Conclusion Results identify the need for a recovery-oriented approach in occupational rehabilitation for individuals with CMDs. This emphasises the importance of supportive environments that foster empowerment, meaningful engagement, and identity reconstruction in the RTW process. Further research should explore these aspects within the Australian context to develop more effective person-centred rehabilitation models. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Rehabilitation professionals should prioritise mental health literacy training for supervisors and implement flexible policies that facilitate successful return to work for individuals with Common Mental Disorders. Vocational rehabilitation programs should integrate the Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning, Empowerment (CHIME) recovery model with occupational strategies to address mental health and employment needs of individuals accessing disability insurance systems. Rehabilitation providers should develop individualised intervention plans that account for the specific challenges, recovery stages, and occupational contexts of each person with a Common Mental Disorder. Service providers should establish structured collaboration between healthcare providers, employers, and peer support networks to ensure comprehensive rehabilitation support throughout the Return to Work journey.