Treatment and provider choice in worker injury rehabilitation: A systematic literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the face of significant costs for injured worker rehabilitation and its impact on society, ongoing examination of how rehabilitation is carried out is warranted. OBJECTIVE: To review recent studies that explored the impact of the worker’s choice in terms of provider and treatment on the outcome for the worker in injury rehabilitation. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted using searches through electronic databases, with studies retrieved then subjected to a quality appraisal. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were eligible for inclusion. Studies reviewed found that choice of provider or treatment generated more positive outcomes for workers, and workers preferred a treatment provider familiar with their care. The worker’s ability to exercise choice was affected by conflict with other stakeholders and misalignment of expectations. The relationship between choice and costs was unclear, sometimes conflicting. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of treatment and provider choice on outcomes for workers remains unclear. The worker’s ability to choose may be hampered by systemic constraints, access to preferred providers, misalignment of stakeholder expectations, and the worker’s ability to engage in decision making. Greater worker engagement in their rehabilitation could potentially reduce costs as well as improve psychosocial outcomes.

Navigating the Path to Recovery: A Scoping Review of Return to Work Program for Manufacture Workers After Occupational Injury

“…These ramifications, in turn, exert a profound impact not only on the injured individual but also on their employer. The profound ramifications of occupational injuries on the reintegration of workers into the workforce are undeniably noteworthy (Birtanov, 2016;Anderson, McLennan and Randall, 2022). In numerous instances, it is observed that individuals who have sustained injuries while engaged in occupational activities may encounter difficulties in resuming their previous employment or may find themselves incapacitated to engage in any form of work, thereby leading to a decline in both financial resources and overall well-being.…”