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Shaw E, Nunns M, Spicer SG, Lawal H, Briscoe S, Melendez‐Torres GJ, Garside R, Liabo K, Coon JT. What is the volume, quality and characteristics of evidence relating to the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multi-disciplinary occupational health interventions aiming to improve work-related outcomes for employed adults? An evidence and gap map of systematic reviews. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2024; 20:e1412. [PMID: 38751859 PMCID: PMC11094349 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Background In the UK, tens of millions of working days are lost due to work-related ill health every year, costing billions of pounds. The role of Occupational Health (OH) services is vital in helping workers to maintain employment when they encounter injury or illness. OH providers traditionally rely on a clinical workforce to deliver these services, particularly doctors and nurses with OH qualifications. However, the increasing demand for OH services is unlikely to be met in the future using this traditional model, due to the declining number of OH-trained doctors and nurses in the UK. Multi-disciplinary models of OH delivery, including a more varied range of healthcare and non-healthcare professionals, could provide a way to meet this new demand for OH services. There is a need to identify collaborative models of OH service delivery and review their effectiveness on return-to work outcomes. There is an existing pool of systematic review evidence evaluating workplace based, multi-disciplinary OH interventions, but it is difficult to identify which aspects of the content and/or delivery of these interventions may be associated with improved work-related outcomes. Objectives The aim of this evidence and gap map (EGM) was to provide an overview of the systematic review evidence that evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multi-disciplinary OH interventions intending to improve work-related outcomes. Search Methods In June 2021 we searched a selection of bibliographic databases and other academic literature resources covering a range of relevant disciplines, including health care and business studies, to identify systematic review evidence from a variety of sectors of employment. We also searched Google Search and a selection of topically relevant websites and consulted with stakeholders to identify reports already known to them. Searches were updated in February 2023. Selection Criteria Systematic reviews needed to be about adults (16 years or over) in employment, who have had absence from work for any medical reason. Interventions needed to be multi-disciplinary (including professionals from different backgrounds in clinical and non-clinical professions) and designed to support employees and employers to manage health conditions in the workplace and/or to help employees with health conditions retain and/or return to work following medical absence. Effectiveness needed to be measured in terms of return to work, work retention or measures of absence, or economic evaluation outcomes. These criteria were applied to the title and abstract and full text of each systematic review independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved through discussion. We awarded each systematic review a rating of 'High', 'Medium' or 'Low' relevance to indicate the extent to which the populations, interventions and their contexts synthesised within the review were consistent with our research question. We also recorded the number of primary studies included within each of the 'High' and 'Medium' reviews that were relevant to research question using the same screening process applied at review level. Data Collection and Analysis Summary data for each eligible review was extracted. The quality of the systematic reviews, rated as 'High' or 'Medium' relevance following full text screening, was appraised using the AMSTAR-2 quality appraisal tool. All data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second, with disagreements being settled through discussion. Summary data for all eligible systematic reviews were tabulated and described narratively. The data extracted from reviews of 'High' and 'Medium' relevance was imported into EPPI-Mapper software to create an EGM. Stakeholder Involvement We worked alongside commissioners and policy makers from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), OH personnel, and people with lived experience of accessing OH services themselves and/or supporting employees to access OH services. Individuals contributed to decision making at all stages of the project. This ensured our EGM reflects the needs of individuals who will use it. Main Results We identified 98 systematic reviews that contained relevant interventions, which involved a variety of professionals and workplaces, and which measured effectiveness in terms of return to work (RTW). Of these, we focused on the 30 reviews where the population and intervention characteristics within the systematic reviews were considered to be of high or medium relevance to our research questions. The 30 reviews were of varying quality, split evenly between High/Moderate quality and Low/Critically-Low quality ratings. We did not identify any relevant systematic review evidence on any other work-related outcome of interest. Interventions were heterogenous, both within and across included systematic reviews. The EGM is structured according to the health condition experienced by participants, and the effectiveness of the interventions being evaluated, as reported within the included systematic reviews. It is possible to view (i) the quality and quantity of systematic review evidence for a given health condition, (ii) how review authors assessed the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of the interventions evaluated. The EGM also details the primary studies relevant to our research aim included within each review. Authors’ Conclusions This EGM map highlights the array of systematic review evidence that exists in relation to the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of multi-disciplinary, workplace-based OH interventions in supporting RTW. This evidence will allow policy makers and commissioners of services to determine which OH interventions may be most useful for supporting different population groups in different contexts. OH professionals may find the content of the EGM useful in identifying systematic review evidence to support their practice. The EGM also identifies where systematic review evidence in this area is lacking, or where existing evidence is of poor quality. These may represent areas where it may be particularly useful to conduct further systematic reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Shaw
- Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Michael Nunns
- Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Stuart G. Spicer
- NIHR Applied Research CollaborationUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
| | - Hassanat Lawal
- Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Simon Briscoe
- Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - G. J. Melendez‐Torres
- Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Ruth Garside
- Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Kristin Liabo
- Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Jo Thompson Coon
- Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
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Blake H, Chaplin WJ, Wainwright E, Taylor G, McNamee P, McWilliams D, Abbott-Fleming V, Holmes J, Fecowycz A, Walsh DA, Walker-Bone K. The Web-Based Pain-at-Work Toolkit With Telephone Support for Employees With Chronic or Persistent Pain: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Feasibility Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e51474. [PMID: 37902814 PMCID: PMC10644198 DOI: 10.2196/51474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic or persistent pain affects one's ability to work or be productive at work, generating high societal and economic burden. However, the provision of work-related advice and support for people with chronic pain is variable or lacking. The Pain-at-Work (PAW) Toolkit was cocreated with people who live with pain, health care professionals, and employers. It aims to increase knowledge about employee rights and how to access support for managing a painful chronic condition in the workplace and provides advice on lifestyle behaviors that facilitate the management of chronic pain. OBJECTIVE We aimed to establish the feasibility of conducting a definitive cluster randomized controlled trial comparing access to the PAW Toolkit and telephone support calls from an occupational therapist (PAW) with treatment as usual (ie, standard support from their employer). Our primary outcomes are establishing parameters of feasibility, acceptability, usability, and safety of this digital workplace health intervention. We will assess the candidate primary and secondary outcomes' feasibility and test research processes for a definitive trial. METHODS This is an open-label, parallel 2-arm pragmatic feasibility cluster randomized controlled trial with exploratory health economics analysis and a nested qualitative interview study. We aim to recruit 120 participants from at least 8 workplace clusters (any type, >10 employees) in England. The recruitment of workplaces occurs via personal approach, and the recruitment of individual participants is web based. Eligible participants are vocationally active adults aged ≥18 years with internet access and self-reporting chronic pain interfering with their ability to undertake or enjoy productive work. A restricted 1:1 cluster-level randomization is used to allocate employment settings to PAW or treatment as usual; participants are unblinded to group allocation. Following site- and individual-level consent, participants complete a web-based baseline survey (time 0), including measures of work capacity, health and well-being, and health care resource use. Follow-up is performed at 3 months (time 1) and 6 months (time 2). Feasibility outcomes relate to recruitment; intervention fidelity (eg, delivery, reach, uptake, and engagement); retention; and follow-up. Qualitative evaluation (time 2) is mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior model and will explore intervention acceptability to employees and employers, along with individual and contextual factors influencing the delivery and uptake of the intervention. RESULTS Ethics approval was obtained in March 2023. Trial recruitment began in June 2023. CONCLUSIONS The PAW Toolkit is the first evidence-based digital health intervention aimed at supporting the self-management of chronic or persistent pain at work. This study will inform the design of a definitive trial, including sample size estimation, approaches to cluster site identification, primary and secondary outcomes' selection, and the final health economic model. Findings will inform approaches for the future delivery of this digital health intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05838677; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05838677. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51474.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Blake
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy J Chaplin
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Wainwright
- Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health (Epidemiology Group), School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Taylor
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Paul McNamee
- Health Economics Research Unit, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel McWilliams
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jain Holmes
- Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Fecowycz
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David Andrew Walsh
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Walker-Bone
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia, United Kingdom
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Svanholm F, Liedberg GM, Löfgren M, Björk M. Stakeholders' experience of collaboration in the context of interdisciplinary rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain aiming at return to work. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 44:8388-8399. [PMID: 35060831 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.2018051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic pain is a major reason for sick leave worldwide. Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs (IPRPs), workplace interventions, and stakeholder collaboration may support patients in their return to work (RTW). Few studies have examined stakeholders' experiences of important components in the RTW rehabilitation process for patients with chronic pain, especially in the context of IPRP. This study explores and describes stakeholders' experiences with stakeholder collaboration and factors related to RTW for patients with chronic pain who have participated in IPRP. METHODS Six focus groups, three pair and four individual interviews were conducted with a total of 28 stakeholder representatives from three societal and three health care stakeholders. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The participants revealed that stakeholder collaboration and a tailored RTW rehabilitation plan were important strategies although they noted that these strategies were not working sufficiently efficient as presently implemented. The different stakeholders' paradigms and organizational prerequisites were described as hindrances of such strategies and that the degree of tailoring depended on individual attitudes. CONCLUSIONS More knowledge transfer and flexibility, clearer responsibilities, and better coordination throughout the RTW rehabilitation process may increase the efficiency of stakeholder collaboration and support for patients.Implications for rehabilitationStakeholders need to have a close dialogue initiated before IPRP to be able to reach consensus and shared decision making in the RTW rehabilitation plan throughout the RTW rehabilitation process.Individually tailored solutions based on a thorough assessment of each patient's work ability and context are identified during IPRP and shall be included in the shared RTW rehabilitation plan.The responsibilities of the stakeholders need to be clarified and documented in the RTW rehabilitation plan.The role of RCs should be developed to improve the coordination throughout the patients' RTW rehabilitation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Svanholm
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gunilla M Liedberg
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Monika Löfgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathilda Björk
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Ju Q, Gan Y, Rinn R, Duan Y, Lippke S. Health Status Stability of Patients in a Medical Rehabilitation Program: What Are the Roles of Time, Physical Fitness Level, and Self-efficacy? Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:624-637. [PMID: 34940949 PMCID: PMC9525393 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals' physical and mental health, as well as their chances of returning to work after their ability to work is damaged, can be addressed by medical rehabilitation. AIM This study investigated the developmental trends of mental and physical health among patients in medical rehabilitation and the roles of self-efficacy and physical fitness in the development of mental and physical health. DESIGN A longitudinal design that included four time-point measurements across 15 months. SETTING A medical rehabilitation center in Germany. POPULATION Participants included 201 patients who were recruited from a medical rehabilitation center. METHODS To objectively measure physical fitness (lung functioning), oxygen reabsorption at anaerobic threshold (VO2AT) was used, along with several self-report scales. RESULTS We found a nonlinear change in mental health among medical rehabilitation patients. The results underscored the importance of medical rehabilitation for patients' mental health over time. In addition, patients' physical health was stable over time. The initial level of physical fitness (VO2AT) positively predicted their mental health and kept the trend more stable. Self-efficacy appeared to have a positive relationship with mental health after rehabilitation treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a nonlinear change in mental health among medical rehabilitation patients. Self-efficacy was positively related to mental health, and the initial level of physical fitness positively predicted the level of mental health after rehabilitation treatment. CLINICAL REHABILITATION More attention could be given to physical capacity and self-efficacy for improving and maintaining rehabilitants' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Ju
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqun Gan
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Robin Rinn
- University of Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Yanping Duan
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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McKinnon CD, Sonne MW, Keir PJ. Assessment of Joint Angle and Reach Envelope Demands Using a Video-Based Physical Demands Description Tool. HUMAN FACTORS 2022; 64:568-578. [PMID: 32912047 DOI: 10.1177/0018720820951349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current methods for describing physical work demands often lack detail and format standardization, require technical training and expertise, and are time-consuming to complete. A video-based physical demands description (PDD) tool may improve time and accuracy concerns associated with current methods. METHODS Ten simulated occupational tasks were synchronously recorded using a motion capture system and digital video. The tasks included a variety of industrial tasks from lifting to drilling to overhead upper extremity tasks of different cycle times. The digital video was processed with a novel video-based assessment tool to produce 3D joint trajectories (PDAi), and joint angle and reach envelope measures were calculated and compared between both data sources. RESULTS Root mean squared error between video-based and motion capture posture estimated ranged from 89.0 mm to 118.6 mm for hand height and reach distance measures, and from 13.5° to 21.6° for trunk, shoulder, and elbow angle metrics. Continuous data were reduced to time-weighted bins, and video-based posture estimates showed 75% overall agreement and quadratic-weight Cohen's kappa scores ranging from 0.29 to 1.0 compared to motion capture data across all posture metrics. CONCLUSION AND APPLICATION The substantial level of agreement between time-weighted bins for video-based and motion capture measures suggest that video-based job task assessment may be a viable approach to improve accuracy and standardization of field physical demands descriptions and minimize error in joint posture and reach envelope estimates compared to traditional pen-and-paper methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin D McKinnon
- 62703 McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- 3710 MyAbilities Technologies Inc., Burlington, Canada
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Davies E, McConn-Palfreyman W, Parker JK, Cameron LJ, Williams JM. Is Injury an Occupational Hazard for Horseracing Staff? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042054. [PMID: 35206242 PMCID: PMC8871636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Occupational health is a key priority for the horseracing industry, yet little research on occupational injuries exists. This study investigated the prevalence and the effect of injury in British horseracing staff during a 12-month period. An online retrospective survey was answered by 352 participants, identifying self-reported injury prevalence, injury management practices and attitudes towards workplace injury reporting. Chi Squared tests for independence were undertaken. A total of 310 (88.1%) staff reported injuries; risk factors for injury type included self-perceived job security, working hours, and perceived job control. Physical limitations, loss of confidence, workplace changes, and lifestyle implications were reported as consequences of injury. A total of 75.3% (n = 134) of staff were likely to seek time-off following fractures, but only 48.6% (n = 86) would take time-off for concussion. Attitudes towards injury management were influenced by financial circumstances, perceived staff shortages, previous injury experiences, and perceived employer expectations. The high self-reported injury prevalence could result in decreased workforce efficiency, poor physical health, and negative implications on retention and career longevity. The perception of invisible injuries, i.e., concussion, and subsequent management, should be of immediate concern to racing organizations. This paper identifies recommendations to enhance the safety and wellbeing of horseracing staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Davies
- Equestrian Performance Research Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK; (L.J.C.); (J.M.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - John K. Parker
- Sport and Exercise Research Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK;
| | - Lorna J. Cameron
- Equestrian Performance Research Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK; (L.J.C.); (J.M.W.)
| | - Jane M. Williams
- Equestrian Performance Research Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK; (L.J.C.); (J.M.W.)
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Jansen J, van Ooijen R, Koning PWC, Boot CRL, Brouwer S. The Role of the Employer in Supporting Work Participation of Workers with Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review Using an Interdisciplinary Approach. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2021; 31:916-949. [PMID: 33978875 PMCID: PMC8558169 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-021-09978-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Purpose There is growing awareness that the employer plays an important role in preventing early labor market exit of workers with poor health. This systematic review aims to explore the employer characteristics associated with work participation of workers with disabilities. An interdisciplinary approach was used to capture relevant characteristics at all organizational levels. Methods To identify relevant longitudinal observational studies, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and EconLit. Three key concepts were central to the search: (a) employer characteristics, (b) work participation, including continued employment, return to work and long-term work disability, and (c) chronic diseases. Results The search strategy resulted in 4456 articles. In total 50 articles met the inclusion criteria. We found 14 determinants clustered in four domains: work accommodations, social support, organizational culture and company characteristics. On supervisor level, strong evidence was found for an association between work accommodations and continued employment and return to work. Moderate evidence was found for an association between social support and return to work. On higher organizational level, weak evidence was found for an association between organizational culture and return to work. Inconsistent evidence was found for an association between company characteristics and the three work outcomes. Conclusions Our review indicates the importance of different employer efforts for work participation of workers with disabilities. Workplace programs aimed at facilitating work accommodations and supervisor support can contribute to the prevention of early labor market exit of workers with poor health. Further research is needed on the influence of organizational culture and company characteristics on work participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jansen
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - R van Ooijen
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - P W C Koning
- Department of Economics, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C R L Boot
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Brouwer
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Clinical Guidance to Optimize Work Participation After Injury or Illness: The Role of Physical Therapists. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021; 51:CPG1-CPG102. [PMID: 34338006 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2021.0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Work rehabilitation refers to the process of assisting workers to remain at work or return to work (RTW) in a safe and productive manner, while limiting the negative impact of restricted work, unemployment, and work disability. The primary purpose of this clinical practice guideline (CPG) is to systematically review available scientific evidence and provide a set of evidence-based recommendations for effective physical therapy evaluation, treatment, and management of individuals experiencing limitations in the ability to participate in work following injury or illness. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(8):CPG1-CPG102. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0303.
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Cimarras-Otal C, Marcen-Cinca N, Rabal-Pelay J, Lacrcel-Tejero B, Alczar-Crevilln A, Villalba-Ruete J, Bataller-Cervero AV. Adapted exercises versus general exercise recommendations on chronic low back pain in industrial workers: A randomized control pilot study. Work 2021; 67:733-740. [PMID: 33164978 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise has been demonstrated as effective for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) in workers. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an exercise program adapted to the characteristics of the workplace is a useful supplement to general exercise recommendations in assembly line workers with chronic LBP. METHODS Workers were randomly assigned to intervention group-adapted exercises plus general exercise recommendations (n = 10), and control group-general exercise recommendations (n = 8). Both received 8-week exercise program through a mobile application (APP) to manage the intervention. Outcome was based on lumbar disability (Oswestry Disability Index), interference and lumbar pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory), and kinematic parameters. RESULTS Significant differences were obtained for the intervention group in the "pain interference" variable, in the "mood" and "enjoyment" sub-variables, as well as in "flexion angle" variable. For the control group, significant differences occurred in the "pain intensity" variable. Adapted exercise plus general recommendations seems more effective than the general recommendations for the improvement of lumbar flexion. CONCLUSIONS An adapted exercise program for assembly line workers with chronic LBP could be an effective treatment. Future studies with a larger sample size and with an exhaustive control of the exercise adherence are required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cimarras-Otal
- Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Spain
| | - Noel Marcen-Cinca
- Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Spain
| | - Juan Rabal-Pelay
- Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Spain
| | | | | | - JosAntonio Villalba-Ruete
- BSH Electrodomésticos España S.A., Pol. Industrial Otallana, Avenida La Industria, 50016, Zaragoza, Spain
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Söderberg M, Stattin M, Robroek SJ, Burdorf A, Järvholm B. Industry mobility and disability benefits in heavy manual jobs: A cohort study of Swedish construction workers. Scand J Work Environ Health 2021; 47:217-223. [PMID: 33165622 PMCID: PMC8126441 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether change from the construction industry to work in other industries at age 45–55 years lowered risks of disability benefits (DB) later in life (60–64 years of age). We hypothesized that risks would be lowered the most among those changing from the heaviest occupations. Methods: The study included men employed in the construction industry during 1971–1993. We selected workers from the largest occupational groups in heavy (concrete workers and painters) and less heavy (drivers, electricians and foremen) occupations. The occurrence of DB in 1990–2015 was retrieved from national registers. Regression analyses were used to calculate relative risks (RR) of DB at 60–64 years, comparing those working in other industries to those still in the construction industry at the age of 45, 50 and 55 years. Results: Mobility away from the construction industry was related to lowered DB risks at 60–64 years in all selected occupations. Effects were most pronounced among those who, at 55 years of age, worked in an industry other than construction, with significantly reduced RR for DB among concrete workers [RR 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51–0.77], electricians (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.47–0.77) and foremen (RR 0.78, 95% 0.63–0.96). Conclusions: Risks for DB at 60–64 years of age were reduced among those who changed from construction work to other industries. Notable reductions were observed among workers originating from both heavy and less heavy occupations, and future studies should explore other factors, in addition to heavy workload, as motivators for leaving the construction industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Söderberg
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Baker P, Coole C, Drummond A, Khan S, McDaid C, Hewitt C, Kottam L, Ronaldson S, Coleman E, McDonald DA, Nouri F, Narayanasamy M, McNamara I, Fitch J, Thomson L, Richardson G, Rangan A. Occupational advice to help people return to work following lower limb arthroplasty: the OPAL intervention mapping study. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-408. [PMID: 32930659 PMCID: PMC7520717 DOI: 10.3310/hta24450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hip and knee replacements are regularly carried out for patients who work. There is little evidence about these patients' needs and the factors influencing their return to work. There is a paucity of guidance to help patients return to work after surgery and a need for structured occupational advice to enable them to return to work safely and effectively. OBJECTIVES To develop an occupational advice intervention to support early recovery to usual activities including work that is tailored to the requirements of patients undergoing hip or knee replacements. To test the acceptability, practicality and feasibility of this intervention within current care frameworks. DESIGN An intervention mapping approach was used to develop the intervention. The research methods employed were rapid evidence synthesis, qualitative interviews with patients and stakeholders, a prospective cohort study, a survey of clinical practice and a modified Delphi consensus process. The developed intervention was implemented and assessed during the final feasibility stage of the intervention mapping process. SETTING Orthopaedic departments in NHS secondary care. PARTICIPANTS Patients who were in work and intending to return to work following primary elective hip or knee replacement surgery, health-care professionals and employers. INTERVENTIONS Occupational advice intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Development of an occupational advice intervention, fidelity of the developed intervention when delivered in a clinical setting, patient and clinician perspectives of the intervention and preliminary assessments of intervention effectiveness and cost. RESULTS A cohort study (154 patients), 110 stakeholder interviews, a survey of practice (152 respondents) and evidence synthesis provided the necessary information to develop the intervention. The intervention included information resources, a personalised return-to-work plan and co-ordination from the health-care team to support the delivery of 13 patient and 20 staff performance objectives. To support delivery, a range of tools (e.g. occupational checklists, patient workbooks and employer information), roles (e.g. return-to-work co-ordinator) and training resources were created. Feasibility was assessed for 21 of the 26 patients recruited from three NHS trusts. Adherence to the defined performance objectives was 75% for patient performance objectives and 74% for staff performance objectives. The intervention was generally well received, although the short time frame available for implementation and concurrent research evaluation led to some confusion among patients and those delivering the intervention regarding its purpose and the roles and responsibilities of key staff. LIMITATIONS Implementation and uptake of the intervention was not standardised and was limited by the study time frame. Evaluation of the intervention involved a small number of patients, which limited the ability to assess it. CONCLUSIONS The developed occupational advice intervention supports best practice. Evaluation demonstrated good rates of adherence against defined performance objectives. However, a number of operational and implementation issues require further attention. FUTURE WORK The intervention warrants a randomised controlled trial to assess its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness to improve rates and timing of sustained return to work after surgery. This research should include the development of a robust implementation strategy to ensure that adoption is sustained. STUDY REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN27426982 and PROSPERO CRD42016045235. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 45. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Baker
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Carol Coole
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Avril Drummond
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sayeed Khan
- Make UK, The Manufacturers' Organisation, London, UK
| | - Catriona McDaid
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Catherine Hewitt
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Lucksy Kottam
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Sarah Ronaldson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Elizabeth Coleman
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - David A McDonald
- Whole System Patient Flow Programme, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, UK
- Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fiona Nouri
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Melanie Narayanasamy
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Iain McNamara
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Judith Fitch
- British Orthopaedic Association Patient Liaison Group, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
| | - Louise Thomson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Amar Rangan
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Joseph B, Angeline NG, Arasu S. COVID-19-Practicing Prevention in the Workplace. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020; 24:133-136. [PMID: 33746423 PMCID: PMC7962517 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_460_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bobby Joseph
- Division of Occupational Health Services, Department of Community Health, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Nancy G. Angeline
- Division of Occupational Health Services, Department of Community Health, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sakthi Arasu
- Division of Occupational Health Services, Department of Community Health, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Evaluation of a multimodal pain rehabilitation programme in primary care based on clinical register data: a feasibility study. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2020; 21:e2. [PMID: 31934844 PMCID: PMC7003522 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423619000884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Investigate the feasibility of identifying a well-defined treatment group and a comparable reference group in clinical register data. Background: There is insufficient knowledge on how to avert neck/back pain from turning chronic or to impair work ability. The Swedish Government implemented a national multimodal rehabilitation (MMR) programme in primary care intending to promote work ability, reduce sick leave and increase return to work. Since randomised control trial data for effect is lacking, it is important to evaluate existing observational data from clinical settings. Methods: We identified all unique patients with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) diagnoses undergoing the MMR programme in primary care in the Skåne Health care Register (n = 2140) during 2010–2011. A reference cohort in primary care (n = 56 300) with similar MSP diagnoses, same ages and the same level of sick leave before baseline was identified for the same period. The reference cohort received ordinary care and treatment in primary care. The final study group consisted of 603 eligible MMR patients and 2874 eligible reference patients. Socio-economic and health-related baseline data including sick leave one year before up to two years after baseline were compared between groups. Findings: There were significant socio-economic and health differences at baseline between the MMR and the reference patients, with the MMR group having lower income, higher morbidity and more sick leave days. Sick leave days per year decreased significantly in the MMR group (118–102 days, P < 0.001) and in the reference group (50–42 days, P < 0.001) from one year before baseline to two years after. Conclusions: It was not feasible to identify a comparable reference group based on clinical register data. Despite an ambitious attempt to limit selection bias, significant baseline differences in socio-economic and health were present. In absence of randomised trials, effects of MMR cannot be sufficiently evaluated in primary care.
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Östlind EK, Grahn BE, Stigmar KE. Patients’ experience of a workplace dialogue in physiotherapy practice in primary care: an interview study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2019.1630853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elin K. Östlind
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Birgitta E. Grahn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Kjerstin E. Stigmar
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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15
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Alexander L, Cooper K. Vocational rehabilitation for emergency services personnel: a scoping review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 17:1999-2019. [PMID: 30925503 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2017-003747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review is to examine and map the range of vocational rehabilitation available for emergency services personnel. INTRODUCTION Employee work absence due to illness and injury is an international burden. The emergency service sector (police officers, firefighters and ambulance/paramedic staff) workforce has been shown to report a higher prevalence of illness/injury and sick leave compared to the general population. Despite the evidence of physical and psychological problems that emergency service sector workers can face, vocational rehabilitation (VR) interventions and the structure and effectiveness of VR for these workers are less well known. INCLUSION CRITERIA This scoping review considered studies that included adult emergency medical services personnel (e.g. police officers, firefighters and ambulance/paramedic staff), regardless of age, sex or rank. Emergency medical services personnel from any developed nation were included. The interventions included any VR regardless of condition, work status (VR to prevent sick leave or for workers on sick leave) or focus (e.g. mental health issues, neurological problems or musculoskeletal conditions). Vocational rehabilitation interventions can include work conditioning, work hardening, physiotherapy, counseling, functional restoration and occupational rehabilitation. METHODS Published and unpublished literature in English from 2007 to 2017 was included in this review. A three-step search strategy was followed that included five databases and nine websites. Data extraction was performed by two reviewers using a pre-determined data extraction form developed by the authors. RESULTS This review identified 24,271 sources of information, of which 48 were screened at full-text stage, and 22 sources were eligible to be included in the final scoping review. The majority of the sources provided evidence of VR for police officers and firefighters. Vocational rehabilitation is typically provided in residential rehabilitation settings as well as some outpatient, off-site and workplace settings. The main type of VR provided is physical, but there is also evidence of psychological rehabilitation and addiction/substance misuse rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrated that there is a lack of information in the public domain on VR for staff working in the emergency service sector, as well as a lack of rigorous evaluation available on the effectiveness of VR within the emergency service sector. There is inconsistent provision of VR internationally for emergency service sector staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay Alexander
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, UK.,The Scottish Centre for Evidence-based, Multi-professional Practice: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
| | - Kay Cooper
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, UK.,The Scottish Centre for Evidence-based, Multi-professional Practice: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
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Harari D, Casarotto RA. Effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention to manage musculoskeletal disorders in workers of a medium-sized company. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2019; 27:247-257. [DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2019.1575052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Harari
- Department of Physiotherapy, Communication Science & Disorders and Occupational Therapy, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Aparecida Casarotto
- Department of Physiotherapy, Communication Science & Disorders and Occupational Therapy, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Ben-Shalom Y, Schimmel Hyde J. Opportunities for Early Intervention to Avoid Prolonged Work Disability: Introduction to the Special Section. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2018; 28:569-573. [PMID: 30298239 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-018-9813-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The articles in this special section examine opportunities for early intervention that is intended to retain the jobs of workers who have medical conditions that could put them at risk of prolonged work disability. Methods The first three articles examine options for analyzing various types of disability claims data for targeting early intervention; the fourth article provides new information from 50 case studies on how employers decide to invest in the retention of individual workers. Results Together, the four articles demonstrate that there may be an opportunity to positively affect longer-term outcomes for workers with medical conditions. This would be accomplished by building and expanding on existing systems in order to efficiently identify, and provide timely support to, workers with medical conditions in a critical period during which the decisions and actions of various stakeholders, including the workers themselves, may have a major influence on these outcomes. Conclusions Forthcoming opportunities to develop, implement, and test evidence-based interventions to promote job retention can provide further insight into the value of the options described in the articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan Ben-Shalom
- Mathematica Policy Research, 1100 1st Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC, 20002, USA.
| | - Jody Schimmel Hyde
- Mathematica Policy Research, 1100 1st Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
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Krug E, Cieza A. Strengthening health systems to provide rehabilitation services. Bull World Health Organ 2018; 95:167. [PMID: 28250526 PMCID: PMC5328120 DOI: 10.2471/blt.17.191809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Krug
- Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Alarcos Cieza
- Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
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Scapellato ML, Comiati V, Buja A, Buttignol G, Valentini R, Burati V, La Serra L, Maccà I, Mason P, Scopa P, Volpin A, Trevisan A, Spinella P. Combined Before-and-After Workplace Intervention to Promote Healthy Lifestyles in Healthcare Workers (STI-VI Study): Short-Term Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15092053. [PMID: 30235849 PMCID: PMC6164287 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15092053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Health care workers (HCWs) are prone to a heavy psycho-physical workload. Health promotion programs can help prevent the onset of chronic and work-related diseases. The aim of the STI-VI ‘before-and-after’ study, with assessments scheduled at 6 and 12 months, was to improve the lifestyle of HCWs with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. A tailored motivational counseling intervention, focusing on dietary habits and physical activity (PA) was administered to 167 HCWs (53 males; 114 females). BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention. The 6-month results (total sample and by gender) showed a marked effect on lifestyle: PA improved (+121.2 MET, p = 0.01), and diets became more similar to the Mediterranean model (+0.8, p < 0.001). BMI dropped (−0.2, p < 0.03), and waist circumference improved even more (−2.5 cm; p < 0.001). Other variables improved significantly: total and LDL cholesterol (−12.8 and −9.4 mg/dL, p < 0.001); systolic and diastolic blood pressure (−4.4 and −2.5 mmHg, p < 0.001); blood glucose (−1.5 mg/dL, p = 0.05); and triglycerides (significant only in women), (−8.7 mg/dL, p = 0.008); but HDL cholesterol levels dropped too. If consolidated at 12 months, these results indicate that our intervention can help HCWs maintain a healthy lifestyle and work ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Scapellato
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Preventive Medicine and Risk Assessment Unit, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Vera Comiati
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Buja
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Giulia Buttignol
- Preventive Medicine and Risk Assessment Unit, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Romina Valentini
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Dietetic and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Valentina Burati
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Lucia La Serra
- Preventive Medicine and Risk Assessment Unit, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Isabella Maccà
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Preventive Medicine and Risk Assessment Unit, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Paola Mason
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Scopa
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Anna Volpin
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Preventive Medicine and Risk Assessment Unit, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Andrea Trevisan
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Preventive Medicine and Risk Assessment Unit, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Spinella
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Dietetic and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy.
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Awang H, Mansor N. Predicting Employment Status of Injured Workers Following a Case Management Intervention. Saf Health Work 2018; 9:347-351. [PMID: 30370168 PMCID: PMC6129999 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The success of an injury intervention program can be measured by the proportion of successful return to work (RTW). This study examined factors of successful return to employment among workers suffering from work-related injuries. METHODS Data were obtained from the Social Security Organization, Malaysia database consisting of 10,049 RTW program participants in 2010-2014. The dependent variable was the RTW outcome which consisted of RTW with same employer, RTW with new employer or unsuccessful return. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to test the likelihood of successful return with same employer and new employer against unsuccessful return. RESULTS Overall, 65.3% of injured workers were successfully returned to employment, 52.8% to the same employer and 12.5% to new employer. Employer interest; motivation; age 30-49 years; intervention less than 9 months; occupational disease; injuries in the lower limbs, upper limbs, and general injuries; and working in the manufacturing, services, and electrical/electronics were associated with returning to work with the same employer against unsuccessful return. Male, employer interest, motivation, age 49 years or younger, intervention less than 6 months, occupational disease, injuries in the upper limbs and services sector of employment were associated with returning to new employer against unsuccessful return. CONCLUSION There is a need to strengthen employer commitment for early and intensified intervention that will lead to improvement in the RTW outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halimah Awang
- Social Security Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norma Mansor
- Social Security Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Ryan T, Rice V, Saunders J, Limbrick S. Measuring the effectiveness of workplace health management programs: An Australian example. Prev Med Rep 2018; 11:56-62. [PMID: 29984139 PMCID: PMC6030229 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The workplace can provide opportunities to support workers in adopting and sustaining health enhancing behaviours. Health promotion programs based at the workplace need not only to achieve this goal but also the continuing support of the employers. This can best be achieved by demonstrating a return on their investment. The aim of this study therefore was to develop an integrated workplace health management program which could be associated with measurable outcomes related to benefitting the institution's "bottom line". This program was based in a metropolitan surgical hospital in Melbourne, Australia from 2006 to 2010 with a total workforce of 1400 employees aged 18-74 years (86% female 14% male), The program followed two key principles of 1) building safe and familiar support networks in order to build a workplace culture where all the workers felt valued. 2) Providing time for individual workers to focus on themselves as a means to achieve early intervention and management of injuries. Insurance data generated by the Workers Compensation Authority identified the following 'bottom line' benefits over three years: injury management costs reduced by 56%; number of compensation Injury claims dropped by 46%; time to return to work post injury reduced by 68%, and; a reduction. in premiums of 43% achieved over a six-year period. Insurers world-wide calculate workers' compensation insurance premiums on injury claims history. It is concluded that such data as these can offer a reliable and 'persuasive' measure of health and injury outcomes, in workplace interventions of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Ryan
- Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
| | - V. Rice
- Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J. Saunders
- Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S. Limbrick
- St. Vincents Private Hospital, 59 Victoria St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
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Grobler SH, Mostert K, Becker P. The impact of a change in work posture from seated to stand-up on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sewing-machine operators. Am J Ind Med 2018; 61:699-711. [PMID: 29876956 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related postural change could lead to improved musculoskeletal health. METHOD(S) In a quantitative, retrospective, longitudinal study, data of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of 123 sewing-machine operators were captured for 4.5 years, and analysed using Poisson regression. RESULTS Stand-up work posture (SUWP) reduced the incidence for spinal disorders (SD) to 0.29 fold the incidence for sitting work posture (SWP) (P < 0.001). Morbid obesity had significantly increased (P = 0.04) incidence of upper limb disorders (ULD), 3.35 times that of normal body mass index (BMI) (regardless of work posture). SUWP was associated with increased IRR (1.49) for lower limb disorders (LLD). LLDs were associated with obesity (overweight (IRR = 2.58; P = 0.08), obese (IRR = 2.45; P = 0.09), and morbidly obese (IRR = 6.24; P = 0.001)). CONCLUSIONS The protective benefit of the SUWP was statistically significant for SD incidence. Owing to high mean BMI, SUWP had a negative impact on the incidence of LLDs for the first 2 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan H Grobler
- Physiotherapy Private Practice, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Karien Mostert
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Piet Becker
- Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
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On-the-Job Productivity Losses Among Employees With Health Problems: The Role of Work Accommodations. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 59:885-893. [PMID: 28742765 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Debates about the productivity impact of work accommodations typically focus on employment and labor force participation outcomes. This study considers whether accommodations mediate on-the-job productivity losses among employees who report health problems. METHODS The study uses ordered logistic regression to predict employees' self-reported productivity losses as a function of health problems and experiences with needed work accommodations. RESULTS On average, the odds that an employee who did not get a needed accommodation reported higher levels of lost productivity are 5.11 times the odds for an employee who got a needed accommodation. CONCLUSIONS Although health problems make it difficult for many employees to perform well on the job, accommodations could reduce productivity losses in some cases. Nonetheless, more research on the impact of specific kinds of accommodations for different chronic conditions is warranted.
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Krug E, Cieza A. Strengthening health systems to provide rehabilitation services. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 22. [DOI: 10.1002/pri.1691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Krug
- Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization; Geneva Switzerland
| | - Alarcos Cieza
- Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization; Geneva Switzerland
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Krug
- From the Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Weckert C, Stern C, Porritt K. Experiences and expectations of return-to-work programs for nurses and midwives who have acquired a musculoskeletal disorder in the workplace: a qualitative systemic review protocol. JBI DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND IMPLEMENTATION REPORTS 2017; 15:1280-1287. [PMID: 28498169 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2016-003002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review is to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the experiences and expectations of being involved in a program that aims to return nurses and midwives, who have acquired a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) in the workplace, to work.The specific review questions are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Weckert
- 1Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia 2The Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Krug E, Cieza A. Strengthening health systems to provide rehabilitation services. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2017; 84:72-73. [PMID: 28462663 DOI: 10.1177/0008417417705853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Krug
- Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention World Health Organization Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Alarcos Cieza
- Disability and Rehabilitation Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention World Health Organization Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
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Krug E, Cieza A. Strengthening health systems to provide rehabilitation services. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2017; 29:672-674. [PMID: 28457193 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2017.1319391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Krug
- a Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases , Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization , Geneva 27 , Switzerland
| | - Alarcos Cieza
- a Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases , Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization , Geneva 27 , Switzerland
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29
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Krug E, Cieza A. Renforcer les systèmes de santé pour fournir les services de réadaptation. Can J Occup Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0008417417705853a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Krug
- Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention World Health Organization Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Alarcos Cieza
- Disability and Rehabilitation Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention World Health Organization Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
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30
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Busch H, Björk Brämberg E, Hagberg J, Bodin L, Jensen I. The effects of multimodal rehabilitation on pain-related sickness absence – an observational study. Disabil Rehabil 2017; 40:1646-1653. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1305456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabeth Björk Brämberg
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Hagberg
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lennart Bodin
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irene Jensen
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Donovan M, Khan A, Johnston V. The Effect of a Workplace-Based Early Intervention Program on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Compensation Outcomes at a Poultry Meat Processing Plant. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2017; 27:24-34. [PMID: 26880190 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-016-9628-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study is to determine whether a workplace-based early intervention injury prevention program reduces work-related musculoskeletal compensation outcomes in poultry meat processing workers. Methods A poultry meatworks in Queensland, Australia implemented an onsite early intervention which included immediate reporting and triage, reassurance, multidisciplinary participatory consultation, workplace modifica tion and onsite physiotherapy. Secondary pre-post analyses of the meatworks' compensation data over 4 years were performed, with the intervention commencing 2 years into the study period. Outcome measures included rate of claims, costs per claim and work days absent at an individual claim level. Where possible, similar analyses were performed on data for Queensland's poultry meat processing industry (excluding the meatworks used in this study). Results At the intervention meatworks, in the post intervention period an 18 % reduction in claims per 1 million working hours (p = 0.017) was observed. Generalized linear modelling revealed a significant reduction in average costs per claim of $831 (OR 0.74; 95 % CI 0.59-0.93; p = 0.009). Median days absent was reduced by 37 % (p = 0.024). For the poultry meat processing industry over the same period, generalized linear modelling revealed no significant change in average costs per claim (OR 1.02; 95 % CI 0.76-1.36; p = 0.91). Median days absent was unchanged (p = 0.93). Conclusion The introduction of an onsite, workplace-based early intervention injury prevention program demonstrated positive effects on compensation outcomes for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in poultry meat processing workers. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Donovan
- Division of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Asaduzzaman Khan
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- Division of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Sennehed CP, Holmberg S, Stigmar K, Forsbrand M, Petersson IF, Nyberg A, Grahn B. Referring to multimodal rehabilitation for patients with musculoskeletal disorders - a register study in primary health care. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:15. [PMID: 28061870 PMCID: PMC5219789 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1948-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2008, the Swedish government introduced a National Rehabilitation Program, in which the government financially reimburses the county councils for evidence-based multimodal rehabilitation (MMR) interventions. The target group is patients of working age with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), expected to return to work or remain at work after rehabilitation. Much attention in the evaluations has been on patient outcomes and on processes. We lack knowledge about how factors related to health care providers and community can have an impact on how patients have access to MMR. The aim of this study was therefore to study the impact of health care provider and community related factors on referrals to MMR in patients with MSD applying for health care in primary health care. Methods This was a primary health care-based cohort study based on prospectively ascertained register data. All primary health care centres (PHCC) contracted in Region Skåne in 2010-2012, referring to MMR were included (n = 153). The health care provider factors studied were: community size, PHCC size, public or private PHCC, whether or not the PHCCs provided their own MMR, burden of illness and the community socioeconomic status among the registered population at the PHCCs. The results are presented with descriptive statistics and for the analysis, non-parametric and multiple linear regression analyses were applied. Results PHCCs located in larger communities sent more referrals/1000 registered population (p = 0.020). Private PHCCs sent more referrals/1000 registered population compared to public units (p = 0.035). Factors related to more MMR referrals/1000 registered population in the multiple regression analyses were PHCCs located in medium and large communities and with above average socioeconomic status among the registered population at the PHCCs, private PHCC and PHCCs providing their own MMR. The explanation degree for the final model was 24.5%. Conclusions We found that referral rates to MMR were positively associated with PHCCs located in medium and large sized communities with higher socioeconomic status among the registered population, private PHCCs and PHCCs providing their own MMR. Patients with MSD are thus facing significant inequities and were thus not offered the same opportunities for referrals to rehabilitation regardless of which PHCC they visited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Post Sennehed
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. .,Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden. .,Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden.
| | - Sara Holmberg
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden.,Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kjerstin Stigmar
- Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Forsbrand
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Blekinge Centre of Competence, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Ingemar F Petersson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anja Nyberg
- Skåne Regional Council, Region Skåne, Department of Healthcare Governance, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Grahn
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Krug
- Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alarcos Cieza
- Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Nigatu YT, Liu Y, Uppal M, McKinney S, Rao S, Gillis K, Wang J. Interventions for enhancing return to work in individuals with a common mental illness: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychol Med 2016; 46:3263-3274. [PMID: 27609709 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716002269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Common mental disorders (CMDs) are highly prevalent in the working population, and are associated with long-term sickness absence and disability. Workers on sick leave with CMDs would benefit from interventions that enable them to successfully return to work (RTW). However, the effectiveness of RTW interventions for workers with a CMD is not well studied. The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of existing workplace and clinical interventions that were aimed at enhancing RTW. A systematic review of studies of interventions for improving RTW in workers with a CMD was conducted. The main outcomes were proportion of RTW and sick-leave duration until RTW. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from Medline/PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SocINDEX, and Human resource and management databases from January 1995 to 2016. Two authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We pooled studies that we deemed sufficiently homogeneous in different comparison groups and assessed the overall quality of the evidence. We reviewed 2347 abstracts from which 136 full-text articles were reviewed and 16 RCTs were included in the analysis. Combined results from these studies suggested that the available interventions did not lead to improved RTW rates over the control group [pooled risk ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-1.12], but reduced the number of sick-leave days in the intervention group compared to the control group, with a mean difference of -13.38 days (95% CI -24.07 to -2.69).
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Affiliation(s)
- Y T Nigatu
- Department of Psychiatry,Cumming School of Medicine,University of Calgary,Alberta,Canada
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Psychiatry,Cumming School of Medicine,University of Calgary,Alberta,Canada
| | - M Uppal
- Department of Psychiatry,Cumming School of Medicine,University of Calgary,Alberta,Canada
| | - S McKinney
- Department of Psychiatry,Cumming School of Medicine,University of Calgary,Alberta,Canada
| | - S Rao
- Department of Psychiatry,Faculty of Medicine,University of Ottawa,Ontario,Canada
| | - K Gillis
- Department of Psychiatry,Faculty of Medicine,University of Ottawa,Ontario,Canada
| | - J Wang
- Department of Psychiatry,Cumming School of Medicine,University of Calgary,Alberta,Canada
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Cancelliere C, Donovan J, Stochkendahl MJ, Biscardi M, Ammendolia C, Myburgh C, Cassidy JD. Factors affecting return to work after injury or illness: best evidence synthesis of systematic reviews. Chiropr Man Therap 2016; 24:32. [PMID: 27610218 PMCID: PMC5015229 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-016-0113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Work disability is a major personal, financial and public health burden. Predicting future work success is a major focus of research. Objectives To identify common prognostic factors for return-to-work across different health and injury conditions and to describe their association with return-to-work outcomes. Methods Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, Cinahl, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the grey literature were searched from January 1, 2004 to September 1, 2013. Systematic reviews addressing return-to-work in various conditions and injuries were selected. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria to identify low risk of bias reviews. Results Of the 36,193 titles screened and the 94 eligible studies reviewed, 56 systematic reviews were accepted as low risk of bias. Over half of these focused on musculoskeletal disorders, which were primarily spine related (e.g., neck and low back pain). The other half of studies assessed workers with mental health or cardiovascular conditions, stroke, cancer, multiple sclerosis or other non-specified health conditions. Many factors have been assessed, but few consistently across conditions. Common factors associated with positive return-to-work outcomes were higher education and socioeconomic status, higher self-efficacy and optimistic expectations for recovery and return-to-work, lower severity of the injury/illness, return-to-work coordination, and multidisciplinary interventions that include the workplace and stakeholders. Common factors associated with negative return-to-work outcomes were older age, being female, higher pain or disability, depression, higher physical work demands, previous sick leave and unemployment, and activity limitations. Conclusions Expectations of recovery and return-to-work, pain and disability levels, depression, workplace factors, and access to multidisciplinary resources are important modifiable factors in progressing return-to-work across health and injury conditions. Employers, healthcare providers and other stakeholders can use this information to facilitate return-to-work for injured/ill workers regardless of the specific injury or illness. Future studies should investigate novel interventions, and other factors that may be common across health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Cancelliere
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - James Donovan
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | | | | | - Carlo Ammendolia
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Corrie Myburgh
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - J David Cassidy
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ; Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark ; Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
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36
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Sertel M, Üçsular FD, Uğurlu Ü. The effects of worksite exercises on physical capabilities of workers in an industry of a developing country: A randomized controlled study. ISOKINET EXERC SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.3233/ies-160624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meral Sertel
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Ferda Dokuztuğ Üçsular
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, \dot{\textit{I}}stanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ümit Uğurlu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
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37
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Law SW, Szeto GPY, Chau WW, Chan C, Kwok AWL, Lai HS, Lee RKL, Griffith JF, Hung LK, Cheng JCY. Multi-disciplinary Orthopaedics Rehabilitation Empowerment (MORE) program: A new standard of care for injured workers in Hong Kong. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2016; 29:503-13. [PMID: 26836833 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-150650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of the Multi-disciplinary Orthopaedics Rehabilitation Empowerment (MORE) Program on reducing chronic disability among injured workers and improving efficiency of work rehabilitation process. METHODS A cohort of patients with workplace injuries in the lower back were recruited from orthopaedics clinics and assigned to either MORE group (n= 139) or control group (n= 106). Patients in MORE group received an early MRI screening and a coordinated multi-disciplinary management, while patients in the control group received conventional care. Outcome variables are time to return-to-work (RTW) from date of injury, waiting time for MRI screening and time to medical assessment board (MAB). RESULTS Patients in the MORE Program had significantly shorter duration for RTW (MORE: 6.1 months, CONTROL 12.8 months, p< 0.01), and more RTW cases (n= 64, 46.0%) compared to CONTROL group (n= 29, 27.4%). The MORE group also had much shorter waiting time for MRI scans (91.85 vs. 309.2 days, p< 0.001) and MAB referral after MRI scans (97.2 vs. 178.9 days, p= 0.001) compared to CONTROL group. CONCLUSIONS The MORE Program which emphasizes early intervention and early MRI screening, is shown to be effective in shortening sick leave and improving RTW outcomes of injured workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Law
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - G P Y Szeto
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - W W Chau
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carol Chan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anthony W L Kwok
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - H S Lai
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.,Total Rehabilitation Management (Hong Kong) Limited, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ryan K L Lee
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - James F Griffith
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - L K Hung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - J C Y Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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38
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Lemstra ME. Occupational management in the workplace and impact on Workers' Compensation Board claims, duration, and cost: a prospective longitudinal cohort. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2016; 9:185-91. [PMID: 27528804 PMCID: PMC4970651 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s107721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Few workplaces have prospectively reviewed workplace and worker issues simultaneously and assessed their impact on Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims. In January of 2014, each worker in a large workplace in Saskatchewan, Canada, was prospectively followed for 1 year to determine factors that impact injury claim incidence, recovery, and costs. In total, 207 out of 245 workers agreed to complete the baseline survey (84.5%). In 2014, 82.5% of workers had self-reported pain, but only 35.5% submitted a WCB claim. Binary logistic regression was used to compare those with pain who did not submit a WCB injury claim to those with pain who did initiate a WCB claim. Independent risk factors associated with WCB claim incidence included depressed mood (odds ratio [OR] =2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-9.78) and lower job satisfaction (OR =1.70, 95% CI 1.08-10.68). Higher disability duration was independently associated with higher depressed mood (OR =1.60, 95% CI 1.05-4.11) and poor recovery expectation (OR =1.31, 95% CI 1.01-5.78). Higher cost disability claims were independently associated with higher depressed mood (OR =1.51, 95% CI 1.07-6.87) and pain catastrophizing (OR =1.11, 95% CI 1.02-8.11). Self-reported pain, physically assessed injury severity, and measured ergonomic risk of workstation did not significantly predict injury claim incidence, duration, or costs. In January 2015, the workplace implemented a new occupational prevention and management program. The injury incidence rate ratio reduced by 58% from 2014 to 2015 (IRR =1.58, 95% CI =1.28-1.94). The ratio for disability duration reduced by 139% from 2014 to 2015 (RR =2.39, 95% CI =2.16-2.63). Costs reduced from $114,149.07 to $56,528.14 per year. In summary, WCB claims are complex. Recognizing that nonphysical factors, such as depressed mood, influence injury claim incidence, recovery, and costs, can be helpful to claims management.
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Rasmussen CDN, Holtermann A, Bay H, Søgaard K, Birk Jørgensen M. A multifaceted workplace intervention for low back pain in nurses' aides: a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial. Pain 2015; 156:1786-1794. [PMID: 25993549 PMCID: PMC4617291 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study established the effectiveness of a workplace multifaceted intervention consisting of participatory ergonomics, physical training, and cognitive-behavioural training (CBT) for low back pain (LBP). Between November 2012 and May 2014, we conducted a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial with 594 workers from eldercare workplaces (nursing homes and home care) randomised to 4 successive time periods, 3 months apart. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and consisted of 19 sessions in total (physical training [12 sessions], CBT [2 sessions], and participatory ergonomics [5 sessions]). Low back pain was the outcome and was measured as days, intensity (worst pain on a 0-10 numeric rank scale), and bothersomeness (days) by monthly text messages. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the intervention effect. Analyses were performed according to intention to treat, including all eligible randomised participants, and were adjusted for baseline values of the outcome. The linear mixed models yielded significant effects on LBP days of -0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.19 to -0.38), LBP intensity of -0.4 (95% CI, -0.60 to -0.26), and bothersomeness days of -0.5 (95% CI, -0.85 to -0.13) after the intervention compared with the control group. This study shows that a multifaceted intervention consisting of participatory ergonomics, physical training, and CBT can reduce LBP among workers in eldercare. Thus, multifaceted interventions may be relevant for improving LBP in a working population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Diana Nørregaard Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Hans Bay
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Karen Søgaard
- Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
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Matsudaira K, Konishi H, Miyoshi K, Isomura T, Inuzuka K. Potential risk factors of persistent low back pain developing from mild low back pain in urban Japanese workers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93924. [PMID: 24714616 PMCID: PMC3979726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Design Two-year, prospective cohort data from the Japan epidemiological research of occupation-related back pain study in urban settings were used for this analysis. Objective To examine the association between aggravated low back pain and psychosocial factors among Japanese workers with mild low back pain. Summary of Background Data Although psychosocial factors are strongly indicated as yellow flags of low back pain (LBP) leading to disability, the association between aggravated LBP and psychosocial factors has not been well assessed in Japanese workers. Methods At baseline, 5,310 participants responded to a self-administered questionnaire including questions about individual characteristics, ergonomic work demands, and work-related psychosocial factors (response rate: 86.5%), with 3,811 respondents completing the 1-year follow-up questionnaire. The target outcome was aggravation of mild LBP into persistent LBP during the follow-up period. Incidence was calculated for the participants with mild LBP during the past year at baseline. Logistic regression was used to explore risk factors associated with persistent LBP. Results Of 1,675 participants who had mild LBP during the preceding year, 43 (2.6%) developed persistent LBP during the follow-up year. Multivariate analyses adjusted for individual factors and an ergonomic factor found statistically significant or almost significant associations of the following psychosocial factors with persistent LBP: interpersonal stress at work [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.96 and 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.00–3.82], job satisfaction (OR: 2.34, 95%CI: 1.21–4.54), depression (OR: 1.92, 95%CI: 1.00–3.69), somatic symptoms (OR: 2.78, 95%CI: 1.44–5.40), support from supervisors (OR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.05–3.85), previous sick-leave due to LBP (OR: 1.94, 95%CI: 0.98–3.86) and family history of LBP with disability (OR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.04–3.78). Conclusions Psychosocial factors are important risk factors for persistent LBP in urban Japanese workers. It may be necessary to take psychosocial factors into account, along with physical work demands, to reduce LBP related disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Matsudaira
- Clinical Research Center for Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders, Kanto Rosai Hospital, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Hiroaki Konishi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagasaki Rosai Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kota Miyoshi
- Spine Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Isomura
- Clinical Research Department, CLINICAL STUDY SUPPORT, Inc., Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kyoko Inuzuka
- Clinical Research Department, CLINICAL STUDY SUPPORT, Inc., Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Daley D, Miller M. Moving forward in occupational health physical therapy: the journey toward specialization in the United States. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/1743288x13y.0000000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Iles RA, Wyatt M. Applying the evidence: a real-world example of an intervention to reduce workers' compensation costs. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/1743288x13y.0000000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Ahlstrom L, Hagberg M, Dellve L. Workplace rehabilitation and supportive conditions at work: a prospective study. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2013; 23:248-60. [PMID: 23065193 PMCID: PMC3666126 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-012-9391-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the impact of rehabilitation measures on work ability and return to work (RTW), specifically the association between workplace rehabilitation/supportive conditions at work and work ability and RTW over time, among women on long-term sick leave. METHODS Questionnaire data were collected (baseline, 6 and 12 months) from a cohort of women (n = 324). Linear mixed models were used for longitudinal analysis of the repeated measurements of work ability index (WAI), work ability score and working degree. These analyses were performed with different models; the explanatory variables for each model were workplace rehabilitation, supportive conditions at work and time. RESULTS The individuals provided with workplace rehabilitation and supportive conditions (e.g. influence at work, possibilities for development, degree of freedom at work, meaning of work, quality of leadership, social support, sense of community and work satisfaction) had significantly increased WAI and work ability score over time. These individuals scored higher work ability compared to those individuals having workplace rehabilitation without supportive conditions, or neither. Additionally, among the individuals provided with workplace rehabilitation and supportive conditions, working degree increased significantly more over time compared to those individuals with no workplace rehabilitation and no supportive conditions. CONCLUSION The results highlight the importance of integrating workplace rehabilitation with supportive conditions at work in order to increase work ability and improve the RTW process for women on long-term sick leave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ahlstrom
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 16, P.O. Box 414, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Managing Psychosocial Contributors in Low Back Pain Patients—A Randomised Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDICS, TRAUMA AND REHABILITATION 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jotr.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The efficacy of integrated physiotherapy work rehabilitation program to occupational nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) patients triaged by Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (OMPQ) for psychosocial risks was investigated. Methods 47 subjects were recruited and randomly allocated to either the integrated physiotherapy group or the conventional group. Red flags signs were screened out. The range of the age of the patients was between 18 and 55. They either had history injuries at work or were on sick leave upon recruitment with moderate psychosocial risk. Results Statistics was performed on an intention-to-treat analysis. At discharge, the patients of integrated physiotherapy group displayed significant improvement of work recovery expectation, pain self-efficacy, overall subjective progress and satisfaction in comparison with the conventional group ( p < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of all outcome measures except the recovery expectation showed no difference in the conventional group. Conclusion The work related treatment components of integrated physiotherapy group adopted a cognitive behavioral approach may contribute to better improvement.
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Ståhl C, Toomingas A, Aborg C, Ekberg K, Kjellberg K. Promoting occupational health interventions in early return to work by implementing financial subsidies: a Swedish case study. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:310. [PMID: 23566064 PMCID: PMC3648453 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2010, the Swedish government introduced a system of subsidies for occupational health (OH) service interventions, as a part in a general policy promoting early return to work. The aim of this study was to analyse the implementation of these subsidies, regarding how they were used and perceived. Methods The study was carried out using a mixed-methods approach, and comprises material from six sub-studies: a register study of the use of the subsidies, one survey to OH service providers, one survey to employers, one document analysis of the documentation from interventions, interviews with stakeholders, and case interviews with actors involved in coordinated interventions. Results The subsidized services were generally perceived as positive but were modestly used. The most extensive subsidy – for coordinated interventions – was rarely used. Employers and OH service providers reported few or no effects on services and contracts. OH service providers explained the modest use in terms of already having less bureaucratic routines in place, where applying for subsidies would involve additional costs. Information about the subsidies was primarily communicated to OH service providers, while employers were not informed. Conclusions The study highlights the complexity of promoting interventions through financial incentives, since their implementation requires that they are perceived by the stakeholders involved as purposeful, manageable and cost-effective. There are inherent political challenges in influencing stakeholders who act on a free market, in that the impact of policies may be limited, unless they are enforced by law.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ståhl
- National Centre for Work and Rehabilitation, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden.
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Stigmar KGE, Petersson IF, Jöud A, Grahn BEM. Promoting work ability in a structured national rehabilitation program in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: outcomes and predictors in a prospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013; 14:57. [PMID: 23384339 PMCID: PMC3626929 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major reason for impaired work productivity and sick leave. In 2009, a national rehabilitation program was introduced in Sweden to promote work ability, and patients with MSDs were offered multimodal rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of this program on health related quality of life, function, sick leave and work ability. METHODS We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study including 406 patients with MSDs attending multimodal rehabilitation. Changes over time and differences between groups were analysed concerning function, health related quality of life, work ability and sick leave. Regression analyses were used to study the outcome variables health related quality of life (measured with EQ-5D), and sick leave. RESULTS Functional ability and health related quality of life improved after rehabilitation. Patients with no sick leave/disability pension the year before rehabilitation, improved health related quality of life more than patients with sick leave/disability pension the year before rehabilitation (p = 0.044). During a period of -/+ four months from rehabilitation start, patients with EQ-5D ≥ 0.5 at rehabilitation start, reduced their net sick leave days with 0.5 days and patients with EQ-5D <0.5 at rehabilitation start, increased net sick leave days with 1.5 days (p = 0.019). Factors negatively associated with sick leave at follow-up were earlier episodes of sick leave/disability pension, problems with exercise tolerance functions and mobility after rehabilitation. Higher age was associated with not being on sick leave at follow-up and reaching an EQ-5D ≥ 0.5 at follow-up. Severe pain after rehabilitation, problems with exercise tolerance functions, born outside of Sweden and full-time sick leave/disability pension the year before rehabilitation were all associated with an EQ-5D level < 0.5 at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MSDs participating in a national work promoting rehabilitation program significantly improved their health related quality of life and functional ability, especially those with no sick leave. This shows that vocational rehabilitation programs in a primary health care setting are effective. The findings of this study can also be valuable for more appropriate patient selection for rehabilitation programs for MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjerstin G E Stigmar
- Kommunhälsan Occupational Health Services, Box 1222, Växjö S 351 12, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Research and Development Kronoberg, Box 1223, Växjö, S 351 12, Sweden
- EPI-centrum, County Council of Skåne, Lund, Sweden
- FoU-Kronoberg, Box 1223, Växjö, S 351 12, Sweden
| | - Ingemar F Petersson
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare in Musculoskeletal Disorders, Lund, Sweden
- EPI-centrum, County Council of Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Jöud
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare in Musculoskeletal Disorders, Lund, Sweden
- EPI-centrum, County Council of Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Birgitta E M Grahn
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Research and Development Kronoberg, Box 1223, Växjö, S 351 12, Sweden
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare in Musculoskeletal Disorders, Lund, Sweden
- EPI-centrum, County Council of Skåne, Lund, Sweden
- FoU-Kronoberg, Box 1223, Växjö, S 351 12, Sweden
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Iles RA, Wyatt M, Pransky G. Multi-faceted case management: reducing compensation costs of musculoskeletal work injuries in Australia. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2012; 22:478-88. [PMID: 22466434 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-012-9364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine whether a multi-faceted model of management of work related musculoskeletal disorders reduced compensation claim costs and days of compensation for injured workers. METHODS An intervention including early reporting, employee centred case management and removal of barriers to return to work was instituted in 16 selected companies with a combined remuneration over $337 million. Outcomes were evaluated by an administrative dataset from the Victorian WorkCover Authority database. A 'quasi experimental' pre-post design was employed with 492 matched companies without the intervention used as a control group and an average of 21 months of post-intervention follow-up. Primary outcomes were average number of days of compensation and average cost of claims. Secondary outcomes were total medical costs and weekly benefits paid. RESULTS Information on 3,312 claims was analysed. In companies where the intervention was introduced the average cost of claims was reduced from $6,019 to $3,913 (estimated difference $2,329, 95 % CI $1,318-$3,340) and the number of days of compensation decreased from 33.5 to 14.1 (HR 0.77, 95 % CI 0.67-0.88). Medical costs and weekly benefits costs were also lower after the intervention (p < 0.05). Reduction in claims costs were noted across industry types, injury location and most employer sizes. CONCLUSIONS The model of claims management investigated was effective in reducing the number of days of compensation, total claim costs, total medical costs and the amount paid in weekly benefits. Further research should investigate whether the intervention improves non-financial outcomes in the return to work process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Anthony Iles
- Department of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3196, Australia.
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Ashby S, Fitzgerald M, Raine S. The Impact of Chronic Low Back Pain on Leisure Participation: Implications for Occupational Therapy. Br J Occup Ther 2012. [DOI: 10.4276/030802212x13522194759897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Chronic low back pain can reduce engagement and participation in all areas of daily life. Previous research has focused on employment and vocational rehabilitation initiatives, with less attention paid to its impact on leisure. This paper examines the difficulties men with chronic low back pain experienced in the maintenance of their leisure activities. It explores the connection between leisure and social networks and the potential barriers to resuming leisure occupations due to chronic low back pain. Method: This ethnographic study examined the experiences of 11 men involved in a vocational rehabilitation programme in New South Wales, Australia. Data were gathered using participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Findings: Chronic low back pain has a critical impact on leisure occupations. It creates two barriers to a client's engagement in former leisure occupations: physical restrictions and financial barriers. Conclusion: The findings build on knowledge of how leisure impacts on social dimensions of health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists can play an important role in enabling people with chronic low back pain to re-engage in leisure. These interventions may reduce the social isolation experienced by individuals due to the loss of leisure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ashby
- Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maureen Fitzgerald
- Medical Anthropologist, formerly at the University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Raine
- Therapy Unit Manager, Karana Therapy Unit, Lingard Private Hospital, Merewether, New South Wales, Australia
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Lysaght R, Fabrigar L, Larmour-Trode S, Stewart J, Friesen M. Measuring workplace social support for workers with disability. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2012; 22:376-386. [PMID: 22350141 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-012-9357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social support in the workplace has been has been demonstrated to serve as a contributor to a worker's ability to manage work demands and to manage stress. Research in the area of disability management indicates that interpersonal factors play an important role in the success of return-to-work interventions. The role of workplace support has received limited attention in rehabilitation, despite the salience of support to the disability management process. Prior to this study, there existed no validated quantitative measure of social support for workers who re-enter the workplace following injury or disability. METHODS A support measure prototype, the Support for Workers with Disability Scale, was tested with 152 workers in accommodated work situations. Four validation tools were used to assess criterion validity. Factor analysis was used to validate the content structure and reduce the total number of response items. Additional analysis was conducted to determine the ability of the measure to discriminate between groups, and to provide insight into how social support operates in workplaces. RESULTS Based on analysis, a reduced measure consisting of 41 items and measuring supervisor, co-worker, and non-work supports was created. Secondary analysis disclosed information concerning the nature of supports in the workplace. Higher levels of support were identified for workers with fewer work role limitations and for those with one versus multiple injury claims. CONCLUSIONS This tool provides a validated outcome measure for research examining the social aspects of workplace disability. It can also serve as a quality management tool for human resource professionals engaged in continuous improvement of disability management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Lysaght
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Spector JT, Turner JA, Fulton-Kehoe D, Franklin G. Pre-surgery disability compensation predicts long-term disability among workers with carpal tunnel syndrome. Am J Ind Med 2012; 55:816-32. [PMID: 22392804 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to identify early risk factors for work disability compensation prior to and after carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery, and to determine whether pre-surgery disability compensation is associated with long-term disability. METHODS Washington State workers' compensation administrative data and data from interviews with workers 18 days (median) after submitting new workers' compensation claims for CTS were examined. Baseline risk factors for pre-surgery disability compensation and for long-term disability (>365 days of work disability compensation prior to 2 years after claim filing) were evaluated for workers who underwent CTS surgery and had at least 1 day of disability compensation (N = 670). RESULTS After adjustment for baseline long-term disability risk factors, workers with pre-surgery disability compensation had over five times the odds of long-term disability. Baseline factors in multiple domains, including job, psychosocial, clinical, and worker pain and function, were associated with both pre-surgery disability compensation and long-term disability. CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for work disability prior to and after CTS surgery are similar, and early work disability is a risk factor for long-term CTS-related disability. An integrated approach to CTS-related disability prevention could include identifying and addressing combined risk factors soon after claim filing, more efficient use of conservative treatments and appropriate work modifications to minimize early work loss, and, when indicated, timely surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- June T Spector
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA.
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