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Weir J, Fary R, Gibson M, Mitchell T, Johnston V, Wyatt M, Guthrie R, Myers B, Beales D. Wellbeing After Finalization of a Workers' Compensation Claim: A Systematic Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2024:10.1007/s10926-023-10168-6. [PMID: 38286892 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10168-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A workers' compensation claim may have significant negative impacts on an injured worker's wellbeing. Wellbeing provides a good global measure of potential effects of a claim on an individual, and is important for contemporary economic modelling. The purpose of this study was to synthesize knowledge about the wellbeing of injured workers after the finalization of a workers' compensation claim and identify gaps in the current literature. METHODS A systematic scoping review was conducted. RESULTS 71 full-text articles were screened for inclusion, with 32 articles eligible for this review. None of the included articles evaluated overall wellbeing. Included articles did evaluate a variety of constructs inherent in wellbeing. Injured workers were generally disadvantaged in some manner following claim finalization. The literature recommends a focus on reducing negative impacts on injured workers after finalization of a compensation claim, with a need for regulatory bodies to review policy in this area. CONCLUSION There appears to be potential for ongoing burden for individuals, employers, and society after finalization of a workers' compensation claim. A gap in knowledge exists regarding the specific evaluation of wellbeing of injured workers following finalization of a workers' compensation claim.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Weir
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Robyn Fary
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute and Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Gibson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tim Mitchell
- Pain Options, 7 Hardy Street, South Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Darling Heights, Australia
| | - Mary Wyatt
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert Guthrie
- Faculty of Business and Law, School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute and Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Darren Beales
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute and Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Sears JM, Wickizer TM, Franklin GM, Fulton-Kehoe D, Hannon PA, Harris JR, Graves JM, McGovern PM. Development and maturation of the occupational health services research field in the United States over the past 25 years: Challenges and opportunities for the future. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:996-1008. [PMID: 37635638 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Work is an important social determinant of health; unfortunately, work-related injuries remain prevalent, can have devastating impact on worker health, and can impose heavy economic burdens on workers and society. Occupational health services research (OHSR) underpins occupational health services policy and practice, focusing on health determinants, health services, healthcare delivery, and health systems affecting workers. The field of OHSR has undergone tremendous expansion in both definition and scope over the past 25 years. In this commentary, focusing on the US, we document the historical development and evolution of OHSR as a research field, describe current doctoral-level OHSR training, and discuss challenges and opportunities for the OHSR field. We also propose an updated definition for the OHSR field: Research and evaluation related to the determinants of worker health and well-being; to occupational injury and illness prevention and surveillance; to healthcare, health programs, and health policy affecting workers; and to the organization, access, quality, outcomes, and costs of occupational health services and related health systems. Researchers trained in OHSR are essential contributors to improvements in healthcare, health systems, and policy and programs to improve worker health and productivity, as well as equity and justice in job and employment conditions. We look forward to the continued growth of OHSR as a field and to the expansion of OHSR academic training opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Sears
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas M Wickizer
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Gary M Franklin
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Tumwater, Washington, USA
| | - Deborah Fulton-Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peggy A Hannon
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Harris
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Janessa M Graves
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Patricia M McGovern
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Sears JM, Fulton‐Kehoe D, Hogg‐Johnson S. Differential underestimation of work-related reinjury risk for older workers: Challenges to producing accurate rate estimates. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:627-643. [PMID: 35665525 PMCID: PMC9354702 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older workers are increasingly represented in the U.S. workforce, but frequently work part-timeor intermittently, hindering accurate injury rate estimates. To reduce the impact of reporting barriers on rate comparisons, we focused on reinjury (both injury recurrence and new injury) among workers with a workers' compensation claim, assessing: (1) reinjury risk for workers age 65+ versus <65; (2) importance of work-time at-risk measurement for rate estimates and comparisons; and (3) age distribution of potential risk factors. METHODS Washington State workers' compensation claims for a retrospective cohort of workers with work-related permanent impairments were linked to state wage files. Reinjury rates were calculated for the cohort (N = 11,184) and a survey sample (N = 582), using both calendar time and full-time equivalent (FTE)-adjusted time. Risk differentials were assessed using rate ratios and adjusted survival models. RESULTS The rate ratio for workers age 65+ (vs. <65) was 0.45 (p < 0.001) using calendar time, but 0.70 (p = 0.07) using FTE-adjusted time. Survey-based rates were 35.7 per 100 worker-years for workers age 65+, versus 14.8 for <65. Workers age 65+ (vs. <65) were more likely to work <100% FTE, but were similar regarding job strain, their ability to handle physical job demands, and their comfort reporting unsafe conditions or injuries. CONCLUSIONS Accounting for work-time at risk substantially improves age-based reinjury comparisons. Although the marked elevation in self-reported reinjury risk for older workers might be a small-sample artifact (n = 34), workers age 65+ are likely at higher risk than previously appreciated. Ongoing workforce trends demand increased attention to injury surveillance and prevention for older workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M. Sears
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Work and Health Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Deborah Fulton‐Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Sheilah Hogg‐Johnson
- Institute for Work and Health Toronto Ontario Canada
- Research and Innovation Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Toronto Ontario Canada
- Biostatistics Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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Sears JM, Edmonds AT, Hannon PA, Schulman BA, Fulton-Kehoe D. Workplace Wellness Program Interest and Barriers Among Workers With Work-Related Permanent Impairments. Workplace Health Saf 2022; 70:348-357. [PMID: 35382639 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221076872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly half of U.S. workers have access to workplace wellness programs (WWPs), 58% of workers with access participate. The aim of this study was to assess interest in WWP participation and identify reasons for lack of interest among workers with work-related permanent impairments-a population at elevated risk of adverse health outcomes. METHODS Workers who returned to work after a work-related permanent impairment were interviewed 11 to 15 months after workers' compensation claim closure. Qualitative content analysis methods were used to code open-ended responses. FINDINGS Of 560 respondents, 51.4% expressed interest in WWP participation. Numerous adverse health and economic characteristics were associated with WWP interest, for example, interest was expressed by 63.3% of workers reporting fair/poor health status versus 47.1% reporting good/excellent; 56.9% of workers reporting moderate/severe pain versus 41.4% reporting mild/no pain; 64.7% of workers without health insurance versus 50.1% with health insurance; 69.0% of workers reporting depression versus 47.2% without depression; 70.4% of workers reporting obesity versus 48.0% without obesity; and 63.2% of workers often worried about expenses versus 46.9% reporting sometimes/never worried. Specific participation barriers were described by 34.2% of the 272 workers who were not interested. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE A majority of workers with work-related permanent impairments-particularly those with adverse health and economic characteristics-were interested in WWPs. Many workers who reported no interest cited participation barriers. Further research is needed to determine whether addressing such barriers would enhance equitable access. Those undertaking WWP planning, implementation, and outreach should ensure that WWPs are inclusive and serve workers with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Sears
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto
| | - Amy T Edmonds
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Peggy A Hannon
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Beryl A Schulman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Deborah Fulton-Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
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Sears JM, Edmonds AT, MacEachen E, Fulton‐Kehoe D. Workplace improvements to support safe and sustained return to work: Suggestions from a survey of workers with permanent impairments. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:731-743. [PMID: 34254343 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roughly 10% of occupational injuries result in permanent impairment. After initial return to work (RTW), many workers with permanent impairments face RTW interruption due to reinjury, unstable health, disability, and layoff. This study used open-ended survey data to: (1) explore workplace factors identified by workers as important levers for change, some of which may previously have been unrecognized; and (2) summarize workers' suggestions for workplace improvements to promote sustained RTW and prevent reinjury. METHODS This study included data from workers' compensation claims and telephone surveys of 582 Washington State workers who had RTW after a work-related injury involving permanent impairment. The survey was conducted in 2019, about a year after claim closure. We used qualitative content analysis methods to inductively code open-ended survey responses. RESULTS The most frequent themes were: safety precautions/safer workplace (18.1%), adequate staffing/appropriate task distribution (16.2%), and safety climate (14.1%). Other frequent themes included ergonomics, rest breaks, job strain, predictability and flexibility in work scheduling practices, employer response to injury, social support, communication, and respect. Many workers reported that they were not listened to, or that their input was not sought or valued. Workers often linked communication deficiencies to preventable deficiencies in safety practices, safety climate, and RTW practices, and also to lack of respect or distrust. In counterpoint, nearly one-third of respondents reported that no change was needed to their workplace. CONCLUSIONS Policies and interventions targeting worker-suggested workplace improvements may promote safe and sustained RTW, which is essential for worker health and economic stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M. Sears
- Department of Health Services University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Work and Health Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Amy T. Edmonds
- Department of Health Services University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Ellen MacEachen
- School of Public Health Sciences University of Waterloo Waterloo Ontario Canada
| | - Deborah Fulton‐Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
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