Pre–Post Evaluation of an Integrated Return to Work Planning Program in Workers' Compensation Assessment Clinics. Issue 2 (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thompson, Aaron M.S.; Bain, Donna; Theriault, Marc Erick
• Is Part Of: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 58:Issue 2(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Occupational Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental health; Medicine, Industrial; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000610
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-2752

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a new workers' compensation medical assessment model on loss of earnings (LOE) benefits duration. Methods: A medical assessment model was introduced incorporating return to work planning and inclusion of the worker's treating physician. Impact of the program on LOE benefit duration was assessed using a quasi-experimental pre–post study design. Cox PH multivariable regression was adjusted for age, gender, injury severity, time to referral, and industry. Results: The study population comprised 3146 workers: 1794 assessed pre-intervention and 1574 assessed after introduction of the new model. There was a significant reduction in LOE benefit duration for workers assessed in the new model (hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.23–1.43). Conclusions: The probability of being off LOE benefits for workers assessed in the new program was 33% greater than for workers assessed in the prior program.