RecruitingInterventional

Supporting people with long-term health conditions and disabilities at work: a feasibility study of the Co-Manage self-management support programme

This study is looking at a new online toolkit called Co-Manage. Many people in the UK live with long-term health conditions or disabilities like arthritis or mental health issues, and find it hard to balance their health with their job. Co-Manage is designed to help these employees, their managers, and employers work together to make workplaces more supportive. The study will check if Co-Manage is easy to use, if organisations and staff want to use it, and if it could help employees stay healthier and reduce sick days. It's a first step to see if a bigger study should be done in the future. The goal is to improve how people manage their health while working.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Loughborough University

Enrolment target

120

Start

16 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

Any long-term condition or disability requiring ongoing management for ≥12 months.

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK have a long-term health condition or disability, such as diabetes, anxiety, or back pain. While lots of these individuals want to keep working, it can often be tricky to manage their health alongside their job. Challenges might include feeling tired, dealing with pain, feeling stressed, or not knowing how to ask for help at work. Sometimes, workplaces might also not have the right support in place, or managers might not know how best to help.

These difficulties can lead to people taking more time off sick, feeling unwell, or even having to leave their jobs. The NHS and the UK Government want to support people in managing their health while at work, a process often called 'self-management'. We know that when workers get the right support for their health, they are more likely to stay in their jobs and feel better overall. However, there isn't currently a clear program in the UK that is proven to help employees, managers, and employers work together on this.

This is where the Co-Manage program comes in. It's an online toolkit created to fill this gap. It provides guidance for workers with any long-term health condition or disability, helps managers offer appropriate support, and assists employers in setting up helpful workplace policies. This particular study is a 'feasibility study', meaning it's a first step to see if a larger study of Co-Manage would be possible and helpful. We'll be checking if companies and their staff are keen to use it, if it can be delivered as planned, and if it shows promise in improving health and reducing sick leave.

Key takeaways

Tests an online toolkit for managing long-term health at work.
Aims to support employees, managers, and employers.
A 'feasibility study' to see if a larger trial is possible.
Participation involves online questionnaires and potentially an interview.
Could improve workplace support in the future.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to work for a company in the UK that has at least ten employees. The study is open to workers aged 18 or older who have a long-term health condition or disability that has needed ongoing care for at least 12 months. This could be any condition that affects you over a long period.

Managers and people who represent employers, like human resources or occupational health staff, are also invited to join. All participants must be able to use the internet and understand English well enough to complete online questionnaires. What's more, you can take part whether or not you have told your employer about your health condition. You also need to have been in your current job for at least 12 months before the study starts.

Some companies may not be able to join if very few of their staff (less than 2%) have taken sick leave for health reasons in the past year. Also, individuals under 18, or those who find it very hard to use the internet or understand English, will not be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a long-term health condition or disability that has lasted for at least 12 months?
Have you been in your current job for at least 12 months?
Can you use the internet and understand English well enough to fill out online forms?
Does your workplace have at least ten employees?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a 'feasibility study', which means it's designed to check if a larger study can be done later. Around eight organisations (companies or workplaces) will be involved. Each organisation will be randomly put into one of two groups: either they will get access to the Co-Manage program, or they will continue with the support they currently offer at work.

If your workplace is in the Co-Manage group, you'll get access to an online toolkit. This toolkit has different parts for workers, managers, and employers. Workers will find advice on managing their health at work, how to talk about their needs, and solve problems. Managers will get tips on how to support their staff and have helpful conversations. Employers will find information on best practices and policies to create a supportive workplace. All these materials are online, but you can also print them out.

You'll be asked to fill in short online questionnaires at the very beginning of the study, and then again after three and six months. Some people might also be asked to do an interview about their experiences. With your permission, the study might also look at your sick leave records from your employer for up to 12 months before and after you started using Co-Manage. The study will also keep an eye on how the Co-Manage website is used to understand what resources are most helpful. The study is expected to run from March 2026 to February 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help you better understand how to manage your health at work. It could also improve how you communicate with your managers and make you feel more confident in dealing with health-related issues at work. The study could also help create better workplace support for others in the future. However, it's important to know that you might not personally feel a direct benefit from taking part. This study is thought to be very low risk. Some people might find thinking deeply about their health or work challenges a little uncomfortable. But please remember, joining is completely your choice, and you can leave the study at any time without needing to give a reason. If taking part causes you any upset or distress, details of support services will be provided to help you.

Locations (1)

Loughborough University
Approximate
Loughborough, England

Common questions

What is Co-Manage?

Co-Manage is an online toolkit with advice and resources for employees with long-term health conditions, their managers, and employers to help manage health at work.

Who is funding this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a major UK health research funder.

Will my employer know about my health condition if I take part?

You can take part whether or not you have told your employer about your health condition. Your privacy will be protected.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

You'll complete online questionnaires at the start, then after three and six months. Some people might have an interview, and sick leave data (with your consent) will be looked at over 12 months.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

How to find out more

David William Maidment

d.w.maidment@lboro.ac.uk +44 (0)1509 225439 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.