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Anderson O, McLennan V, Buys N, Randall C. Injured worker participation in assessment during the acute phase of workers compensation rehabilitation: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38592042 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2337101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rates of return to work (RTW) are declining in the Australian workers compensation system alongside significant economic and social costs, disputes, and secondary psychological injury. Non-medical assessment of workplace injuries now considers psychosocial and workplace factors, and worker participation in the assessment process is limited. This scoping review examines studies regarding non-medical assessment during the acute phase of rehabilitation in terms of costs, disputes, secondary psychological injury, and worker participation. METHOD An electronic and manual search of relevant articles across four databases was conducted using PRISMA guidelines, followed by quality assessment. RESULTS Of the 1,630 studies retrieved, 12 met the inclusion criteria with most focused on assessment for risk of obstructed or delayed RTW. CONCLUSIONS Non-medical assessment in the acute stage of rehabilitation identifies risk for delayed or complicated RTW, overlooking potential for the process of assessment to contribute to disputes and development of secondary psychological injury. Doubt around the capacity of workers to participate objectively in assessment persists. These are aspects of assessment worthy of further exploration for their impact on RTW outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olwen Anderson
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vanette McLennan
- Rural Clinical School (Northern Rivers), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicholas Buys
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Work, Organisation and Well Being, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christine Randall
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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McGrath RL, Shephard S, Parnell T, Verdon S, Pope R. Recommended approaches to assessing and managing physiotherapy clients experiencing psychological distress: a systematic mapping review. Physiother Theory Pract 2023:1-31. [PMID: 38009858 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2284823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some physiotherapists find assessing and managing clients experiencing psychological distress challenging and are uncertain regarding the boundaries of the profession's scope. OBJECTIVE To map the approaches recommended for physiotherapists in scholarly literature, with respect to the assessment and management of clients experiencing psychological distress. METHODS A systematic mapping review was conducted. CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Embase, and Medline ALL databases were systematically searched for secondary and tertiary literature relevant to the research objective. Recommended approaches were extracted from each article and analyzed descriptively and thematically. RESULTS 3884 records were identified with 40 articles meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Most recommendations related to identifying, assessing, and managing pain-related distress, with depression screening and referral also receiving some attention. Three approaches to detecting and assessing psychological distress were identified: 1) brief depression screen; 2) integrated suicide/nonsuicidal self-harm and depression screen; and 3) multidimensional screen and health-related distress assessment. Regarding the management of psychological distress the main approaches identified were: 1) education and reassurance; 2) cognitive-behavioral approaches; 3) mindfulness; and 4) case management. CONCLUSION While assessment and management of health-related distress by physiotherapists is commonly recommended, further guidance is needed to differentiate various forms of distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L McGrath
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
- Allied Health Education and Research Unit, Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, Australia
| | - Sophie Shephard
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Tracey Parnell
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Australia
| | - Sarah Verdon
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Australia
| | - Rodney Pope
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Australia
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Collie A, Gray SE. The relationship between work disability and subsequent suicide or self-harm: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000922. [PMID: 36962884 PMCID: PMC10021753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Work disability occurs when an injury or illness limits the ability of a worker to participate in employment. While evidence suggests that people with work disability are at increased risk of suicide and intentional self-harm, this relationship has not been the subject of systematic review. This scoping review aims to assess and summarise the research literature regarding the relationship between work disability and subsequent suicide or intentional self-harm. Review protocol was published on the Open Science Foundation and is reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Peer-reviewed studies published in English from 1st January 2000 were included if they reported suicide or self-harm outcomes in people aged 15 years or older with work disability. Studies were identified via systematic search of Medline, Scopus and Pubmed databases, via recommendation from topic experts, and citation searching of included articles. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Literature search yielded 859 records of which 47 eligible studies were included, nine set in workers' compensation, 20 in sickness absence, 13 in disability pension systems, and five from mixed cohorts. Of 44 quantitative studies, 41 reported a positive relationship between work disability and suicidal behaviour. The relationship is observed consistently across nations, work disability income support systems and health conditions. Several factors elevate risk of suicidal behaviour, including presence of mental health conditions and longer work disability duration. There were few studies in some nations and no suicide prevention interventions. The risk of suicide and self-harm is elevated in people experiencing work disability. Further observational research is required to fill evidence gaps. This review suggests the need for governments, employers and those involved in the care of people with work disability to focus on identification and monitoring of those at greatest risk of suicidal behaviour, and suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Collie
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shannon Elise Gray
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Smits EJ, Gane EM, Brakenridge CL, Andrews NE, Johnston V. Expert consensus and perspectives on recovery following road traffic crashes: a Delphi study. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 44:3122-3131. [PMID: 33305970 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1855677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To reach expert consensus on a definition for recovery following minor and moderate road traffic crash-related injuries and key factors that influence recovery, and to explore expert perspectives on risk identification methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS A three-round Delphi study was conducted in which 47 experts (insurance representatives, health care professionals and researchers) were consulted. RESULTS Strong expert agreement (86%) was reached for the definition: "Recovery is multifaceted and includes return to activities of daily living (ADLs), work and social/leisure activities at pre-injury level or at a level deemed acceptable by the individual, with minimal ongoing pain and symptoms, considering physical and mental health and wellbeing". Agreed key factors that influenced recovery included: resilience; coping skills; recovery expectations; pre-existing physical and mental health; workplace support; and, collaboration between the injured individual, treating providers and claim handlers. Expert perspectives on risk identification methods were mixed. CONCLUSIONS An accepted definition for recovery following minor and moderate road traffic crash-related injury was established, which could facilitate communication and engagement between different rehabilitation stakeholders. Strong consensus was achieved on nine key factors that influenced recovery. Further research is needed to evaluate whether injured persons agree with this definition and on the utility of risk identification methods.Implications for rehabilitationExpert consensus was established for a definition of recovery following minor and moderate road traffic crash-related injuries and nine key influencing factors.An established definition could facilitate communication and engagement between all rehabilitation stakeholders, which could improve the recovery process of the injured person.Rehabilitation professionals need to be familiar with the role of psychosocial factors, such as recovery expectations, resilience and coping skills, in the recovery process.The use of physical and psychological outcome measures at regular intervals could help to identify risk of poor recovery following minor and moderate road traffic crash-related injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther J Smits
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elise M Gane
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Physiotherapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Nicole E Andrews
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Occupational Therapy Department, The Professor Tess Cramond Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Iles RA, Sheehan LR, Gosling CM. Assessment of a new tool to improve case manager identification of delayed return to work in the first two weeks of a workers' compensation claim. Clin Rehabil 2020; 34:656-666. [PMID: 32183561 DOI: 10.1177/0269215520911417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the Plan of Action for a Case (PACE) tool improved identification of workers at risk of delayed return to work. DESIGN Prospective cohort of workers with accepted workers' compensation claims in the state of New South Wales, Australia. INTERVENTIONS The 41-item PACE tool was completed by the case manager within the first two weeks of a claim. The tool gathered information from the worker, employer and treating practitioner. Multivariate logistic regression models predicted work time loss of at least one and three months. RESULTS There were 524 claimants with complete PACE information. A total of 195 (37.2%) had work time loss of at least one month and 83 (15.8%) had time loss of at least three months. Being male, injury location, an Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire-Short Form score >50, having a small employer, suitable duties not being available, being certified unfit, and the worker having low one-month recovery expectations predicted time loss of over one month. For three months, injury location, a Short Form Orebro score >50, no return-to-work coordinator, and being certified unfit were significant predictors. The model incorporating PACE information provided a significantly better prediction of both one- and three-month outcomes than baseline information (area-under-the-curve statistics-one month: 0.85 and 0.68, respectively; three months: 0.85 and 0.69, respectively; both P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The PACE tool improved the ability to identify workers at risk of ongoing work disability and identified modifiable factors suited to case manager-led intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A Iles
- Insurance Work and Health Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Luke R Sheehan
- Insurance Work and Health Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cameron McR Gosling
- Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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