Predicting return to work following treatment of chronic pain disorder

Abstract

Workers compensation boards should refer injured workers with CPD to treatment programmes as early as possible to achieve a successful RTW. Additionally, RTWCs play an important role in improving work outcomes.

Working and Living in Northern vs Southern Ontario Is Associated with the Duration of Compensated Time off Work: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…5 The RTW approach uses comprehensive onsite programs involving work accommodation, which has proven to reduce the duration of work-related disability in comparison to earlier approaches of vocational rehabilitation. 6 Work accommodation can include lighter duties, shorter work hours, changed workstation, or a different job with the same employer, and aims to temporarily meet the workers' needs while recovering. 7 The literature on RTW outcomes and factors involved in the course of disabled workers through the disability management process is extensive.…”

The effects of individual, occupational, and supportive factors on successful return to work using a structural equation model

“…Factors such as age [2–5], sex (female) [3, 4, 6], level of education [4], economic status [6], severity of disease [2, 4], starting point of treatment [2], duration of convalescence [4, 5, 7], handicap level [5–7], working duration [2, 3, 5, 7], size of workplace [3, 5], occupational category [3, 5, 7], average wages [5], type of employment [7], and intervention for returning [8] have been described as important elements. Recent studies have shown that psychological elements—including self-efficacy, coping skill, disability acceptance, and depression—have a relationship with returning to work.…”

Vocational Rehabilitation: Supporting Ill or Disabled Individuals in (to) Work: A UK Perspective

“…Vocational professionals have an important and sometimes critical role to play in the RTW process. These professionals go under a variety of names, e.g., vocational therapists/consultants/case coordinators/counsellors (VTs) [ 11 , 56 , 93 , 98 , 121 ], or sometimes return to work coordinators [ 89 , 122 ]. Their prime functions include matching the abilities and aspiration of the client with the demands of employment [ 36 , 60 , 93 , 98 ].…”

“…Firstly, the appropriate timing of the health intervention [ 1 , 124 ] and secondly, the early focus in RTW planning [ 1 , 66 ]. Often both factors apply [ 122 ]. This is clearly seen in management of musculoskeletal disorders, where they remain common [ 1 , 66 ], but also in the management of TBI [ 60 ], multiple sclerosis [ 99 ], mental health [ 100 ] and chronic pain [ 122 ], etc.…”