Table 2 Objectives, return to work (RTW) definitions and outcome measures
From: Occupational therapy and return to work: a systematic literature review
Author | Objective | Defining RTW result | Outcome measures |
|---|---|---|---|
Jousset et al., 2004 | Compare RTW (1) in patients participating in a multidisciplinary functional restoration programme to RTW in patients participating in active individual therapy | Significantly lower mean number of self-reported sick-leave days | • Number of self-reported sick-leave days during 2 previous years were noted at start of 5 week programme • Number of self-reported sick-leave days 6 months after the programme • RTW within 1 week after programme • Subjective rating: ➢ Ability to work ➢ Improved physical condition |
Joy et al., 2001 | RTW after work-hardening programme | Either part-time of full-time RTW at the time of follow-up phone calls (in original or alternative job) | • Functional capacity • Age • Length of injury (days) • Time in program (days) • Work status (did or did not RTW) • Pain level • Pain tolerance (% improvement) • Activity tolerance (% improvement) |
Lambeek et al., 2010 | to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated care programme, combining a patient directed and a workplace directed intervention, for patients with chronic low back pain | Duration of sick leave due to low back pain in calendar days from the day op randomisation until full RTW in own or other work with equal earnings for at least four weeks without recurrence, partial of full. | • Primary outcome: duration of time off work (work disability) • Secondary outcome: ➢ intensity of pain and functional status ➢ the integrated care programme substantially reduced disability due to chronic low back pain in private and working life ➢ improvement of pain between groups did not differ significantly |
Schene et al., 2007 | Work resumption | Significant difference between TAU(4) and TAU + OT (5) in time between baseline assessment and time of RTW for patients who did not work at baseline assessment Total hours worked during each 6-month period up to 42 months for the total population | • Depression • Work resumption • Work stress • Service use and qualitative evaluation • Economic evaluation |
Sullivan et al., 2006 | Compared percentage of RTW in patients participating in PGAP + PT (6) to those participating in PT (7) alone | Returning to full-time pre-injury employment or alternative employment | • RTW (primary outcome variable) • Catastrophizing • Fear of movement or reinjury • Perceived disability • Pain severity |
Vanderploeg et al., 2008 | Comparing RTW or return to school in patients participating in 2 rehabilitation approaches | Current status of paid employment or school enrolment (either full- or part-time, not as part of a sheltered workshop) | • RTW/school • Living independently • Satisfied with life • Chance in martial state since injury • Social withdrawal • Worrying • Depressed mood • Irritability • Angry behaviour |