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Katsu A, Mackenzie L, Elliott JM, Mackey M, Tyack Z. Return-to-employment for working-aged adults after burn injury: A mixed methods scoping review. Work 2024; 79:523-550. [PMID: 38578910 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This scoping review aimed to identify the barriers, facilitators and benefits of returning to work following burn injury, outcome measures used, management strategies, and models of care. OBJECTIVE To provide a comprehensive overview about working-aged adults returning to their preinjury employment after burn injury. METHODS We followed a pre-determined scoping review protocol to search MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, CCRCT and CDSR databases between 2000 to December 2023. Papers reporting primary data from previously employed adults with cutaneous burn injuries were included. RESULTS In all, 90 articles met the review criteria. Return-to-work was both an outcome goal and process of recovery from burn injury. Physical and psychological impairments were identified barriers. Job accommodations and modifications were important for supporting the transition from hospital to workplace. Employment status and quality of life sub-scales were used to measure return-to-work. CONCLUSIONS Consistent definitions of work and measurements of return-to-employment after burn injury are priorities for future research. Longitudinal studies are more likely to capture the complexity of the return-to-employment process, its impact on work participation and changes in employment over time. The social context of work may assist or hinder return-to-work more than physical environmental constraints. Equitable vocational support systems would help address disparities in vocational rehabilitation services available after burn injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akane Katsu
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lynette Mackenzie
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - James M Elliott
- The Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Mackey
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zephanie Tyack
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Centre for Healthcare Transformation and School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, BrisbaneAustralia
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Jetha A, Navaratnerajah L, Shahidi FV, Carnide N, Biswas A, Yanar B, Siddiqi A. Racial and Ethnic Inequities in the Return-to-Work of Workers Experiencing Injury or Illness: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:432-449. [PMID: 37294368 PMCID: PMC10495511 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10119-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-White workers face more frequent, severe, and disabling occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses when compared to White workers. It is unclear whether the return-to-work (RTW) process following injury or illness differs according to race or ethnicity. OBJECTIVE To determine racial and ethnic differences in the RTW process of workers with an occupational or non-occupational injury or illness. METHODS A systematic review was conducted. Eight academic databases - Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, ASSIA, ABI Inform, and Econ lit - were searched. Titles/abstracts and full texts of articles were reviewed for eligibility; relevant articles were appraised for methodological quality. A best evidence synthesis was applied to determine key findings and generate recommendations based on an assessment of the quality, quantity, and consistency of evidence. RESULTS 15,289 articles were identified from which 19 studies met eligibility criteria and were appraised as medium-to-high methodological quality. Fifteen studies focused on workers with a non-occupational injury or illness and only four focused on workers with an occupational injury or illness. There was strong evidence indicating that non-White and racial/ethnic minority workers were less likely to RTW following a non-occupational injury or illness when compared to White or racial/ethnic majority workers. CONCLUSIONS Policy and programmatic attention should be directed towards addressing racism and discrimination faced by non-White and racial/ethnic minority workers in the RTW process. Our research also underscores the importance of enhancing the measurement and examination of race and ethnicity in the field of work disability management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Jetha
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Lahmea Navaratnerajah
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Faraz Vahid Shahidi
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy Carnide
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aviroop Biswas
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Basak Yanar
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arjumand Siddiqi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Wanjara S, Oduor P. Hand injuries in Kenya: a chaff cutter menace. F1000Res 2022; 11:1255. [PMID: 37928806 PMCID: PMC10620478 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.126590.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hand injuries are a recognized occupational hazard from the use of chaff cutters. With increasing mechanization of farming in our region, the burden of hand injuries is poised to increase. Methods We conducted a descriptive study of 47 patients presenting with chaff cutter hand injuries at our center in one year. Results They were predominantly male (98%) and the majority (70%) were aged between 21 and 40 years. The majority of patients who had not resumed work were those with severe injuries and those who had had an amputation. There was a positive correlation between age category and severity of injury. Discussion Chaff cutter injuries contribute considerably to hand amputations at our center. The majority of patients with severe injuries and those undergoing amputations do not return to gainful activities one year after sustaining the injury, suggesting increased dependency. Further research is paramount to identify safety features of chaff cutters in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Wanjara
- Department of Surgery, Nakuru Level V Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Peter Oduor
- Department of Surgery, Nakuru Level V Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya
- Department of Surgery, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
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Zeyl VG, Rivera Perla KM, Mabeza RMS, Rao V, Kalliainen LK. Characterizing the Association of Race and Insurance Status with Resource Utilization in Brachial Plexopathy Surgery. World Neurosurg 2022; 167:e204-e216. [PMID: 35948232 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.07.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the link between socioeconomic status and immediate postoperative brachial plexus injury (BPI) management outcomes is critical to mitigating disparities and optimizing postoperative recovery plans. The present study aimed to elucidate the association between socioeconomic status and resource utilization following surgery for BPI. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult patients (18 years) with a BPI diagnosis from the 2002-2017 National Inpatient Sample. Primary outcomes included home discharge rates, length of stay (LOS), and cost. We used multivariable regressions to analyze outcome measures. RESULTS A total of 23,755 BPI admissions were identified, 14.67% of whom received surgical intervention. Patients receiving Medicare had lower odds of home discharge compared with privately insured patients (adjusted odds ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.58-0.74; P < 0.001). Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients had 6%-32% longer LOS than privately insured patients (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P = 0.006, respectively). Patients in the top income quartile had a 12% increase in costs compared with those in the bottom quartile (P < 0.001). Latinx and Other race groups had 11%-14% increased costs compared with White patients (Latinx P < 0.001, Other P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Differences in BPI resource utilization and allocation exist, from increased LOS among non-privately insured and non-White patients to increased BPI treatment costs among patients in higher-income quartiles. Further research is necessary to elucidate how these disparities exist and impact functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria G Zeyl
- Division of Plastic Surgery, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Krissia M Rivera Perla
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Russyan Mark S Mabeza
- David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vinay Rao
- Division of Plastic Surgery, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Loree K Kalliainen
- Division of Plastic Surgery, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Mudenha WF, Naicker N, Singh T. Impact of the macro-environment on the reporting of occupational injuries and illnesses by low-income workers compared to middle-income workers in South Africa: a mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063384. [PMID: 36002208 PMCID: PMC9413165 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Construction workers, mineworkers and manufacturing employees in South Africa must report occupational injuries and illnesses to their employer as stipulated in section 14 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and section 22 of the Mine Health and Safety Act. However, under-reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses is common globally.This protocol seeks to ascertain if macro-environment factors impact reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses and compare reporting between low-income and middle-income workers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS To achieve the objectives of the study, a sequential mixed-methods research design will be adopted. A questionnaire will be distributed among low-income and middle-income workers from nine companies in Gauteng from the construction, mining and manufacturing sectors to establish macro-environment factors that impact their reporting. In addition, a data extraction sheet will be submitted to compensation fund administrators who receive and process workers' compensation claims to determine reporting patterns by low-income and middle-income workers. In-depth interviews will be conducted with occupational health and safety subject matter experts in South Africa to ascertain their opinion regarding factors that impact reporting. Data will be analysed using SPSS V.27. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Prior to the commencement of the study, ethical approval and permission will be obtained from the University of Johannesburg Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee. The researcher intends to publish the results of the study in peer-reviewed journals and present research papers at scientific conferences and provide feedback to employers and employees across all three industries. The study shall determine associations in reporting between the manufacturing, mining and construction sectors and establish interventions employers can implement for workers to report injuries and illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellington Farai Mudenha
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Nisha Naicker
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Tanusha Singh
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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