Journal Of Occupational Rehabilitation[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Project FORWARD: Where Vocational Rehabilitation Can Make a Difference through Community-Based Participatory Research.
Wong J, Lin Y, Wang H … +1 more , Chen JH
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41273634 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Practitioners in vocational rehabilitation (VR) and college disability counselors often face challenges connecting highly educated individuals with disabilities to employment that aligns with their skills and tr...
PURPOSE: Practitioners in vocational rehabilitation (VR) and college disability counselors often face challenges connecting highly educated individuals with disabilities to employment that aligns with their skills and training. Building equitable partnerships between service agencies and employers is essential to creating effective supported employment programs. Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) offers a promising approach to strengthen these partnerships and reduce underemployment among college graduates with disabilities. This article introduces the use of CBPR in VR through the development of a supported employment model. METHODS: Following CBPR principles, we partnered with universities, industry stakeholders, and young adults with disabilities to co-develop and implement Project FORWARD. This supported internship program aimed to help college graduates with disabilities transition into competitive employment in the semiconductor industry through collaborative planning of recruitment, internship structure, and workplace support. RESULTS: We outline three core features of CBPR and present five strategies for building partnerships at different research stages. Project FORWARD serves as a case example demonstrating how CBPR can address both employer and participant needs through flexible internship design, with clear protocols for recruitment, training, and accommodation. We also discuss practical considerations for researchers applying CBPR in VR contexts. CONCLUSION: CBPR provides a valuable framework for advancing VR research by promoting collaboration, equity, and community relevance. It bridges the goals of academic and industry partners while supporting the co-creation of meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Future research should focus on sustaining long-term community partnerships and developing inclusive employment interventions.
Reliability of a Spinal Cord Injury-Specific Extension of the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ-SCI).
Veenhuysen ALC, van Dinter R, Roels EH … +1 more , Reneman MF
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41269452 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ), an International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)-based questionnaire, was developed to assess work-related functioning of persons with a...
PURPOSE: The Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ), an International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)-based questionnaire, was developed to assess work-related functioning of persons with a range of health conditions. The WORQ has shown limitations in its applicability to persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study was to investigate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and agreement of the WORQ-SCI, a newly developed extension to the WORQ for use in persons with SCI. METHODS: A cross-sectional and test-retest reliability study was performed in eight Dutch rehabilitation centers specialized in SCI rehabilitation. Persons with SCI with first inpatient rehabilitation between 2015 and 2022 and work participation as a goal, completed the WORQ-SCI twice. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation, ICC), and agreement between measurement points (Bland-Altman plot) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 175 participants completed the WORQ-SCI questionnaire at baseline (T1), of whom 59 completed the WORQ-SCI questionnaire a second time, with 52 reporting no changes in health or work status. Internal consistency for the WORQ-SCI was: 0.93 (23 items, N = 175). Test-retest reliability for the subgroup with no changes was ICC = 0.91 (95%-CI 0.84-0.95, N = 52). Bland-Altman plot for agreement between WORQ-SCI T1 and T2 (retest) suggested no systematic bias, with a mean difference of - 1.5 (SD 15.2) and 95% limits of agreement: ± 29.7. CONCLUSION: The WORQ-SCI showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The test-retest results provide insight into measurement error, emphasizing the robustness of the instrument over time. The WORQ-SCI could be used reliably to assess work-related functioning in persons with SCI, although limits of agreement suggest caution when interpreting change at the level of the individual.
Assessment of Work Ability in People with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Primary Health Care: A Scoping Review of Self-Reported Tools.
Tveten KM, Skaar A, Onni AT … +4 more , Dragesund T, Magnussen LH, Tvedt MN, Ask T
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41233626 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal disorders account for approximately 25% of consultations in primary health care, and sickness absence due to these disorders imposes a substantial economic burden on society. Early identification...
PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal disorders account for approximately 25% of consultations in primary health care, and sickness absence due to these disorders imposes a substantial economic burden on society. Early identification of workers at risk of sickness absence is crucial; however, there is no consensus on how to identify risk and guide work participation for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. This scoping review aims to address the research question: Which tools (questionnaires or questions) are used to assess work ability and guide work participation in workers with musculoskeletal disorders, and how do they correspond to the codes in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model? METHODS: Through systematic searches on EMBASE, Medline, Pedro, CINAHL and AMED, we identified tools relevant to assessing work ability in primary health care for use in the early phase of sick leave. Items in the questionnaires were mapped into second level ICF codes. RESULTS: The scoping review included 95 studies from an initial pool of 10,800 articles. The studies covered 25 tools, all except two of which were available in English, and ten were available in a Scandinavian language. The diverse evidence base for work ability assessment tools spans various ICF codes, with most questionnaires including items in the activity and participation domains. Few questionnaires addressed environmental and personal factors. CONCLUSION: The evidence base for work ability assessment tools is extensive, with significant variation in tools, linkage to ICF, and psychometric properties. This scoping review supports healthcare personnel selecting tools based on their purpose, time, body area, and dimensions covered, considering the duration of sickness absence and case complexity. Future research should incorporate environmental and personal factors for comprehensive evaluations.
Evaluation of the Socio-Medical Assessment of Work Capacity in Patients with Colorectal Cancer in German Rehabilitation Clinics: Its Diagnostic Accuracy for Actual Return to Work and the Physicians' Views on Potential Changes in Current Practice.
Vlaski T, Caspari R, Fischer H … +4 more , Trarbach T, Slavic M, Brenner H, Schöttker B
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41205086 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Return to work (RTW) is a goal of many patients with colorectal cancer (PwCRC) attending inpatient rehabilitation. In German rehabilitation clinics, physicians conduct the socio-medical assessment...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Return to work (RTW) is a goal of many patients with colorectal cancer (PwCRC) attending inpatient rehabilitation. In German rehabilitation clinics, physicians conduct the socio-medical assessment of work capacity (SMWC) with the aim of assessing the current ability to work. We tested how well it also predicts the actual RTW of PwCRC. METHODS: This study combined a nationwide physician survey (n = 38) with longitudinal data from a cohort study of PwCRC (n = 172) aged 65 or younger who were employed prior to CRC diagnosis. Physicians were asked about their use of validated tools for the SMWC and their attitudes toward a standardized assessment checklist. PwCRC completed baseline and 9-month follow-up questionnaires about their employment status. SMWC results of the cohort study's participants were extracted from rehabilitation discharge reports. RESULTS: While 97% of PwCRC were predicted to be capable of working ≥ 6 h/day, only 70% actually returned to work 9 months after rehabilitation. The SMWC showed high sensitivity (98%) but low specificity (6%) for predicting RTW, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of about 70%. Most physicians (73%) at least partly saw the need for an evidence-based structured checklist for an improved SMWC, and almost all (95%) would use it if it did not take more than 10 min to apply it. CONCLUSIONS: The SMWC for PwCRC in German rehabilitation clinics is not standardized and overestimates the return-to-work rate. There is a need for a standardized checklist, and most physicians would be willing to use it.
Strategies for Supporting Disability-Inclusive Employment in the Future of Work.
Hossain S, Nasir K, Carolli A … +3 more , Gignac MAM, Van Eerd D, Jetha A
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41203888 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The world of work is rapidly changing and is expected to create new challenges and opportunities for young adults living with disabilities. This study aimed to identify strategies that might enhance inclusion fo...
PURPOSE: The world of work is rapidly changing and is expected to create new challenges and opportunities for young adults living with disabilities. This study aimed to identify strategies that might enhance inclusion for young people with disabilities as they navigate the future of work. METHODS: Two survey rounds informed by a Delphi approach were completed by 125 participants that included subject matter experts and individuals with lived expertise of a disability. In the first survey, participants were asked about dimensions of the future of work that could affect the employment of young adults living with disabilities and related workplace, community-based, and policy supports that might enhance disability employment inclusion. In the second survey, participants reviewed strategies suggested to promote inclusion in the future of work and ranked them based on their potential impact in supporting the employment of young adults living with disabilities. RESULTS: Six specific challenge areas in the future of work for young adults with disabilities were identified and included the impact of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource decision-making, digital globalization, populism and attitudes toward workplace inclusivity, climate change, and external shocks accelerating the pace of change. Top-ranked strategies spanned workplace, social policy, and educational settings and involved delivering lifelong skill-building initiatives, enforcing minimum accessibility standards, enhancing employer disability confidence, and protecting employment rights internationally. CONCLUSION: Strategies identified in this study provide solutions to enhance employment inclusion in the future of work. Findings may be utilized by policymakers, employers, and employment service providers as considerations in the design of employment policies and programs for young adults with disabilities that may sustain employment in a shifting work landscape.
Multicultural Implementation-Experiences of Peer Support Workers in MH Services: Qualitative Findings of UPSIDES Innovative Intervention-An International Multi-Site Project.
Moran GS, Goldfarb Y, Ben-Dor IA … +9 more , Hadas-Grundman S, Kalha J, Baillie D, Kwebiiha E, Mahlke C, Ramesh M, Slade M, Haun M, Krumm S
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41182500 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Mental health peer support is growing as an essential recovery-oriented occupation that can help alleviate the burden of mental health (MH) conditions. Despite its international growth, there is lack of cross-cu...
PURPOSE: Mental health peer support is growing as an essential recovery-oriented occupation that can help alleviate the burden of mental health (MH) conditions. Despite its international growth, there is lack of cross-cultural knowledge about peer support workers' (PSW) implementation experiences. This study explored PSWs' implementation experiences of Using Peer Support In Developing Empowering Mental Health Services (UPSIDES) innovative intervention-a multi-country project designed to empower and scale-up peer support in low-, middle- and high-income countries (LMIC & HIC). METHOD: Nine focus groups totaling 38 PSWs were conducted at six study sites: Ulm and Hamburg (Germany), Kampala (Uganda), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Be'er Sheva (Israel), and Pune (India). Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative analysis and MAXQDA software. RESULTS: Four domains were identified: (i) PSWs' experiences of recovery; (ii) PSWs' experiences of vocational development; (iii) PSWs' experiences with staff and work-role in MH systems;and (iv) PSWs' strive to influence broader circles. In low-and-middle-income countries specifically, PSWs experienced gains for illness management, access to care, employability and financial standing. They also engaged in active interactions with stakeholders in the community (e.g., relatives, police, etc.) promoting social-educative and anti-stigma influences. In high-income countries, experiences related to self-disclosure and peer-vocational development issues. Across sites PSWs' expressed challenges and needs related to lack of role clarity, relations with MH staff and integration into services. CONCLUSIONS: The findings reveal the potential of mental health peer support workers (MH PSWs) to aid in mental health recovery and systemic change. However, implementation experiences vary across cultures, highlighting the need to further develop the PSW role and integrate it into mental health systems across different sites. Trial Registration: ISRCTN26008944.
Facilitators and Barriers to Collaboration Between General Practice and Sickness Benefits Office in Return to Work Processes-A Scoping Review.
Poulsen AG, van Meerkerk I, Nielsen CP … +2 more , Rolving N, Jensen LG
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Nov · PMID 41175302 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This scoping review study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on collaboration between sickness benefit offices and general practice in return to work (RTW) processes, to map existing res...
PURPOSE: This scoping review study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on collaboration between sickness benefit offices and general practice in return to work (RTW) processes, to map existing research, and to identify facilitators and barriers to successful collaboration. METHODS: This review adhered to established scoping review methodologies. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted across six databases. Two researchers independently performed screening and data extraction. Facilitators and barriers were thematically analysed, and tentative findings were discussed with a reference group. RESULTS: The search yielded 8477 unique studies, of which 22 met the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed persistent challenges over the past two decades. Most studies used qualitative methods, and the majority were conducted in a Scandinavian context. Written communication was the predominant collaborative activity reported in the studies. Barriers were more frequently identified than facilitators. Commonly reported barriers to successful collaboration included stereotyping, differing priorities, and an over-reliance on written communication. Facilitators included face-to-face meetings and high-quality written communication. Although facilitators have not been extensively studied, our findings emphasize the interconnection between barriers and facilitators, indicating that facilitators can provide strategies to address these barriers. Furthermore, we observed a lack of consensus in the literature regarding key concepts, such as'collaboration'. DISCUSSION: Based on the findings, we recommend that future research focus on achieving conceptual clarity and examining the underlying conditions that influence the potential for collaboration between general practice and sickness benefits offices in RTW processes.
The Lived Experience of Return to Work in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury in Saudi Arabia: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
AlAmmar W, Clouston TJ, Bakhsh HR
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 41134447 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering condition that often results in varying degrees of sensory and motor impairment. In Saudi Arabia, SCI predominantly affects young individuals aged 16-30 years, disrupt...
PURPOSE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering condition that often results in varying degrees of sensory and motor impairment. In Saudi Arabia, SCI predominantly affects young individuals aged 16-30 years, disrupting their daily activities and limiting their participation in work and community life. Despite this, no prior research in Saudi Arabia has explored the experiences of individuals with SCI regarding returning to work (RTW) or how they manage the long-term impacts of their disability. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of returning to employment amongst individuals with SCI in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A qualitative study design was employed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Semi-structured interviews lasting 45-90 min were conducted with three individuals living with SCI. Data were analysed following the IPA framework outlined by Smith et al. (2009). RESULTS: Six themes emerged from the analysis: employment history, RTW barriers, RTW facilitators, personal factors, community, and RTW itself. CONCLUSION: The RTW experience of individuals with SCI in Saudi Arabia is shaped by personal, social, and systemic factors. The individual's capacity for coping and problem-solving is central to this process. However, structural barriers and limited societal inclusion often lead to occupational injustice. There is an urgent need for policymakers and rehabilitation professionals to implement supportive frameworks that promote equitable work reintegration and community participation for people with SCI.
Promoting Job Quality and Career Advancement Among Persons with Disabilities During Critical Career Transitions: A Scoping Review of Published Evidence.
Jetha A, Hossain S, Navaratnerajah L … +3 more , Samosh D, McCarthy S, Bowman LR
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 41108349 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Persons with disabilities can face challenges in obtaining high quality jobs during critical work transitions that are linked to worker well-being and opportunities for sustainable career growth. There is a need...
PURPOSE: Persons with disabilities can face challenges in obtaining high quality jobs during critical work transitions that are linked to worker well-being and opportunities for sustainable career growth. There is a need to identify and describe employment interventions that support persons living with disabilities in obtaining high quality jobs and advancing in their careers during critical work transitions. METHODS: A scoping review of published intervention research was conducted. Two parallel searches focusing on job quality and career advancement were carried out and merged. Articles were screened at the title and abstract level and at full text level by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to examine the impact of relevant interventions on job quality and career advancement during critical work transitions. RESULTS: Searches yielded 5858 studies (2543 job quality studies; 3315 career advancement studies). Fifteen studies were included from the job quality search and one study was included from the career advancement search. Studies originated from 3 different countries, the most prevalent being the United States of America (n = 14). Eight studies focussed on vocational rehabilitation interventions, six focused on interventions at post-secondary educational settings, one study focused on individualized placement services and two focussed on customised employment. The included studies offered limited measurements of job quality outcomes and career advancement. Vocational rehabilitation interventions were promising for enhancing job quality at the early career phase, particularly when delivered within educational institutions. CONCLUSION: Overall, evidence is lacking on the interventions that promote job quality and career advancement at different phases of the working life course. Additional research is needed to develop applied insights that enhance current programs, ensuring persons with disabilities can navigate career transitions and to promote job quality and career advancement.
The Association of Waiting Time with Postoperative Health Care Use and Sickness Absences: A Register Study in Finland.
Vähätalo L, Korhonen M, Siukola A … +5 more , Kervinen E, Winell K, Reho T, Viljamaa M, Sauni R
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 41091428 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the length of waiting time in elective knee, shoulder, hip, and lower back surgery, and how it was associated with sickness absence, use of health care, and work ability supp...
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the length of waiting time in elective knee, shoulder, hip, and lower back surgery, and how it was associated with sickness absence, use of health care, and work ability support services during 1 year after the surgery. METHODS: The patients (n = 429) were grouped by the elective surgery they had undergone. Waiting time was calculated as the time between the day of referral and the day of operation. The register data were analyzed with general linear regression. RESULTS: The median waiting time for a knee operation (n = 287) was 98 days, for a shoulder operation (n = 105) 39 days, for a hip operation (n = 19), 177 days and for a lower back operation (n = 18) 114 days. The use of work ability support services increased after all the operations. A prolonged waiting time (> 90 days) for knee and shoulder operations was associated with the amount of sickness absence (IRR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.06-1.12; IRR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.82-0.89, respectively), secondary health care visits (IRR: 1.81, 95% CI 1.33-2.47; IRR: 2.28, 95% CI 1.50-3.47, respectively), and occupational curative care visits (IRR: 2.06, 95% CI 1.30-3.29) for shoulder operations. No association was found between a prolonged waiting time and work ability service visits during the year after the surgery. CONCLUSION: The association of waiting time length with postoperative sickness absences and health care visits calls for taking actions to reduce the waiting times. Waiting should be considered as an active time aiming to prepare for the operation and the recovery.
Return-to-Work Outcomes Following Mental Health Treatment Among Public Safety Personnel Disabled by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Mustard CA, Dobson KG, Chien YC … +2 more , Wodchis WP, Smith PM
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 41062787 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of a mental health treatment program for public safety personnel (PSP) disabled by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on return-to-work outcomes. METHODS: A mental health treatment...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of a mental health treatment program for public safety personnel (PSP) disabled by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on return-to-work outcomes. METHODS: A mental health treatment program established exclusively for PSPs disabled by work-related PTSD received 582 referrals over the period November 2021 to June 2023. Return-to-work outcomes were defined as the cessation of workers' compensation wage replacement benefits over an 18-36 month period following referral. Outcomes among the referral cohort were compared to PSPs not referred to treatment who also had an accepted workers' compensation claim for PTSD. Referrals were matched to non-referrals on age, sex, occupation and date of injury. RESULTS: Among the 472 referrals to the treatment program eligible for inclusion in the study, 54.4% initiated treatment. There was no difference in return-to-work outcomes over the follow-up period between the referrals who initiated treatment (29.9%) and the 215 referrals not initiating treatment (32.5%, p = 0.612). In contrast, return-to-work outcomes were more positive among the matched non-referral comparison group (41.9%, p < 0.001, all referrals vs the matched non-referral comparison group). CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of PSPs disabled by PTSD, there was no evidence of a positive treatment effect on return-to-work outcomes. The prognosis for return-to-work among public safety personnel with long durations of recovery from PTSD is poor. The implications of this study point to the importance of the development and testing of novel evidence-based treatments and opportunities to support employers' commitment and capacity to provide suitable accommodation as strategies to improve return-to-work outcomes among public safety personnel disabled by PTSD.
Timing Return-to-Work Counseling: An Observational Study Into the Effect of Time to First Consultation on Return to Work.
van Rossum TB, Kok RN, Nieuwenhuijsen K
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 41060566 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Return-to-work (RTW) counseling is a critical part of rehabilitation of sick-listed employees with common mental disorders (CMD). In the Netherlands it is mandatory that RTW counseling with an occupational physi...
PURPOSE: Return-to-work (RTW) counseling is a critical part of rehabilitation of sick-listed employees with common mental disorders (CMD). In the Netherlands it is mandatory that RTW counseling with an occupational physician (OP) starts within two weeks, but current literature and guidelines provide little empiric support. This study aims to answer the questions "Is starting RTW counseling within two weeks associated with faster RTW?" and "Is there a dose-response effect (i.e. the earlier the better)?". METHODS: In an observational design, sick-listed employees (n = 12,169) seen by an OP within two weeks of onset of sick leave were compared to those seen later using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Next, per week effects were examined, reporting pairwise comparisons of weeks 1 through 6 if the omnibus test was significant. RESULTS: Earlier RTW counseling was associated with earlier RTW (HR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.86-0.93). There was a dose-response effect (LLR χ: 46.08, df = 5, p < 0.001) with significant earlier RTW when RTW counseling was started in week 1 versus week 3 (HR: 0.90(95%CI 0.85-0.96), p < 0.001), week 1 versus week 5 (HR: 0.88(95%CI 0.81-0.94), p < 0.001), week 1 versus week 6 (HR: 0.82(95%CI 0.77-0.88), p < 0.001), and week 2 versus week 6 (HR: 0.84(95%CI 0.79-0.89), p < 0.001). However, subgroup analyses showed these findings only held for employees with adjustment disorders. CONCLUSIONS: There is a modest benefit to starting RTW counseling earlier. However, this effect is limited to those seen very early and there are no significant differences between weeks 2 through 5. Whether these modest benefits warrant strict adherence to a two-week deadline should be re-evaluated.
Development and Validation of the Questionnaire of Factors Related to the Adaptability to Return to Work Among Cancer Patients.
Su XQ, Dong WY, Xu Y … +3 more , Zhao HY, Jiang YQ, Guo YJ
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Oct · PMID 41060565 · Publisher ↗
AIM: Enhancing the adaptability to return to work among cancer patients can help them fully mobilize coping resources and adapt to the environment during the reintegration process. However, influenced by multiple factors...
AIM: Enhancing the adaptability to return to work among cancer patients can help them fully mobilize coping resources and adapt to the environment during the reintegration process. However, influenced by multiple factors, the adaptability to return to work among cancer patients in China remains inadequate and requires improvement. To address this, we aim to develop and validate the Questionnaire of Factors related to the Adaptability to Return to Work Among Cancer Patients (abbreviated as QF-ARTWCP). Grounded in the theoretical model "Cancer Patients' Return-to-Work Adaptation Experience and Coping Resources," social ecosystems theory, and social support theory, this instrument will provide a foundation for subsequent investigations and the development of targeted intervention programs. METHODS: The development of the QF-ARTWCP was conducted in three phases: (1) Item generation: A literature review identified relevant influencing factors and existing evaluation tools. This was followed by three rounds of experts consultations (15 experts) and a pilot survey (30 patients), resulting in a 59-item initial questionnaire; (2) Preliminary survey: Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and reliability testing were performed with 238 participants. Content validity was assessed by 8 experts; and (3) Formal verification investigation: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using fit indices (e.g., χ/df, RMSEA, SRMR) evaluated model-data fit. Convergent validity was quantified via average variance extracted (AVE), and composite reliability (CR), with 277 participants. RESULTS: The final QF-ARTWCP consists of 34 items across nine factors: Healthy Cognition; Work Cognition; Emotional Coping; Work Coping; Unit Support; Support from Friends and Relatives, Financial Burden; Social Atmosphere; and Policy Support. The CFA demonstrated acceptable model fit (χ/df = 2.245, P < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.067, SRMR = 0.052; CFI = 0.914, and TLI = 0.902. Additionally, the AVE (0.615-0.792) and CR (0.834-0.938) values indicated strong aggregate validity. DISCUSSION: The QF-ARTWCP is a validated, user-friendly tool tailored for cancer patients. This questionnaire enables the evaluation and monitoring of the adaptability to return to work in occupational settings, supporting targeted interventions.
Return on Investment of the Back At Work After Surgery (BAAS) Care Pathway Compared to Care-as-Usual in Knee Arthroplasty.
Strijbos DO, Straat AC, van der Sluis G … +5 more , van Houtert WFC, van Dongen JM, Boymans T, Kuijer PPFM, Reneman MF
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 40971108 · Full text
PURPOSE: The Back At work After Surgery (BAAS) care pathway integrates medical and occupational care to enhance return to work (RTW) after knee arthroplasty (KA). BAAS has shown effectiveness in improving RTW outcomes, b...
PURPOSE: The Back At work After Surgery (BAAS) care pathway integrates medical and occupational care to enhance return to work (RTW) after knee arthroplasty (KA). BAAS has shown effectiveness in improving RTW outcomes, but its economic impact is unknown. This study evaluates the costs and return on investment (ROI) of BAAS compared with care-as-usual. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective cohort study involved 270 employed patients having KA, comparing the BAAS pathway (n = 137) to care-as-usual (ACTIVE trial, n = 133). The ROI was evaluated from societal and employer's perspectives. Productivity (absenteeism and presenteeism) and healthcare (primary and secondary) costs were assessed using cost questionnaires administered at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-surgery. Propensity score matching and multiple imputation addressed non-randomization and missing data, respectively. ROI was calculated by dividing the netto benefits-defined as reductions in productivity and healthcare costs, or productivity costs alone minus costs of the BAAS intervention-by the intervention costs multiplied by 100%. RESULTS: Propensity score-matched analyses included 102 patients per cohort. The total netto benefits from employers and societal perspective were of €4,493 and €4,982, respectively. Intervention costs were €845/patient. This resulted in a ROI of 590% (95% CI 67-1112%) and 532% (95% CI 27-1037%) from the societal and employer's perspective, respectively, per Euro invested. CONCLUSIONS: The BAAS care pathway demonstrates a favorable economic impact through significant 12 month downstream reductions in absenteeism and healthcare costs, and a positive ROI from both the societal and employer perspective. TRAIL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrails.gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05690347 , date of first registration: 19-01-2023).
The Effectiveness of the Back At work After Surgery (BAAS) Work-Integrated Care Pathway on Return to Work for Patients Receiving Knee Arthroplasty: A Study of Three Comparative Cohorts in the Netherlands.
Strijbos DO, van der Sluis G, van Houtert WFC … +8 more , Straat AC, van Zaanen Y, Kooijman CM, van den Brand I, de Groot SE, Reneman MF, Boymans T, Kuijer PPFM
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Dec · PMID 40956371 · Full text
PURPOSE: Considering the increase in the demand from working age patients seeking knee arthroplasty (KA) and the low return-to-work (RTW) rates, optimization of care for patients getting KA with a focus on RTW is essenti...
PURPOSE: Considering the increase in the demand from working age patients seeking knee arthroplasty (KA) and the low return-to-work (RTW) rates, optimization of care for patients getting KA with a focus on RTW is essential. We evaluated a work-integrated care pathway-Back At work After Surgery (BAAS)-aimed at improving RTW compared with care-as-usual in the Netherlands. METHODS: In this multicenter study of three comparative cohorts, working patients who had primary KA were included. Patients in two Dutch hospitals (BAAS cohort) received integrated medical and occupational care, including structured pre- and postoperative consultations, goal setting, activity tracking, and interdisciplinary team meetings with both medical and occupational health professionals. Two independent control cohorts with comparable patient inclusion criteria (Expect TO work and ACTIVE) from 15 hospitals/clinics received care-as-usual. The primary outcomes were the time to first day of RTW and time to full RTW within 12 months. Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting was used with known prognostic factors as covariates to account for possible differences in baseline characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients were included (BAAS n = 145; Expect TO work n = 179; ACTIVE n = 133). The median time to first day of RTW was 16-25 days shorter in the BAAS cohort (27 days) compared to Expect TO work (52 days; hazard ratio [HR] 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]:2.1-3.4) and ACTIVE cohort (43 days; HR:1.95; CI:1.5-2.6). At three months, 90% of BAAS patients had started RTW versus 63% and 77% in the control cohorts. BAAS patients also achieved full RTW earlier, with a median time reduced by 27 days compared to the ACTIVE cohort (HR:1.4; CI:1.1-1.8). The odds of full RTW at 12 months were higher in the BAAS cohort compared to Expect TO work, namely odds ratio (OR) 5.0 (CI:1.3-18.5) and ACTIVE OR 9.3 (CI:2.5-34.8). CONCLUSION: The BAAS work-integrated care pathway was more effective than care-as-usual in improving RTW after KA in the Netherlands. TRAIL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrails.gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05690347 , date of first registration: 19-01-2023).
The Constituents of Trust in the Context of Return to Work Following a Work Disability: A Scoping Review and a Thematic Analysis.
Tegninko HBT, Gouin MM
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40932554 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Trust is key to a successful return to work following a work disability. Its constituents, which have been widely documented in social and management sciences research, are not addressed in return to work (RTW)...
PURPOSE: Trust is key to a successful return to work following a work disability. Its constituents, which have been widely documented in social and management sciences research, are not addressed in return to work (RTW) research. This study therefore aims to portray the constituents of trust that have been documented in the context of RTW following an absence due to musculoskeletal disorder or a common mental disorder. METHOD: A scoping review was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA extension for scoping review guidelines. Studies were extracted from six databases using keywords like trust, RTW/disability, and musculoskeletal/common mental disorders. Study selection and analysis were conducted in Covidence by two reviewers independently. An Excel framework served to record the constituents of trust (i.e., antecedents, attributes, and consequences) identified in accordance with a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: From the 2795 references extracted, 30 studies were selected, 73% of which were published in the Last 10 years. All three constituents were documented, mainly in the dyadic relationship between the worker returning to work and other stakeholders. Yet, some known antecedents of trust remain underexplored and new consequences emerge. Support also appears to be both an antecedent and a consequence, which encourages reflection on the possibility of trust reciprocity. CONCLUSION: While the constituents of trust involved in RTW were documented, they should be tested empirically, and some constituents and relationships need further exploration. Recommendations to improve trust between stakeholders are proposed.
Mapping the Landscape of Work Rehabilitation Education in Physiotherapy Programs: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey in Quebec.
Longtin C, Hong QN, Amari F … +8 more , Singer L, Cooper L, Bussières A, Carrière JS, Bertrand-Charette M, Perreault K, Hudon A, Wideman TH
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40913649 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Physiotherapists play a central role in the rehabilitation of individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Yet, it is currently unclear how entry-level training prepares them to manage work disabilit...
PURPOSE: Physiotherapists play a central role in the rehabilitation of individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Yet, it is currently unclear how entry-level training prepares them to manage work disability. This study aimed to (1) identify a set of work rehabilitation competencies, (2) examine how these competencies are integrated into entry-level physiotherapy training programs in Quebec, Canada, and (3) assess educators' perceptions of the adequacy of work rehabilitation education. METHODS: A five-step consensus-building process with engaged partners and a literature review served to identify the competencies. Subsequently, educators from all Quebec physiotherapy programs completed a cross-sectional survey containing closed- and open-ended questions. The survey documented the integration of general and competency-specific work rehabilitation content and educators' ratings of students' preparedness for entry-to-practice for each competency. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and open-text responses were analyzed using qualitative metasummary. RESULTS: Seven work rehabilitation competencies were identified and used to structure the survey. The median time dedicated to work rehabilitation education was 5.5 h (range 1-21.5). Programs partially integrated the competencies, using mostly didactic learning strategies. Coverage of key topics for each competency and relevance to work rehabilitation varied considerably across programs. Educators reported low student preparedness for competencies requiring work-focused knowledge and skills and varying comfort with teaching this content. CONCLUSION: This study highlights critical gaps in physiotherapy education related to work rehabilitation and provides a benchmark for how key competencies are addressed in Quebec programs. These findings offer a foundation for improving work rehabilitation training for physiotherapists.
Receiving Return-To-Work Coordination at Swedish Primary Healthcare Clinics: A Register-Based Study Among People on Sickness Absence.
Berglund E, Friberg E, Svärd V
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40903705 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study investigates factors associated with receiving return-to-work (RTW) coordination within primary healthcare and the association between received RTW coordination and the amount of sickness absence (SA)...
PURPOSE: This study investigates factors associated with receiving return-to-work (RTW) coordination within primary healthcare and the association between received RTW coordination and the amount of sickness absence (SA) days. METHODS: This register study included 13019 people who had SA at some time between March 2019 and February 2020 and visited a primary healthcare clinic that employed a RTW coordinator. Logistic regressions were used to investigate received RTW coordination. Negative binomial regressions were used to analyse the amount of SA days in the ten-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Associations were found between receiving RTW coordination and being a woman, being 30-49 years old, and having higher educational attainment, more healthcare contacts, more SA days, and a musculoskeletal or mental diagnosis. In the following ten-month period, mean SA were 71.3 days among people receiving RTW coordination and 76.1 days for those who had not. However, the adjusted analyses did not show association between RTW coordination in primary healthcare and the amount of SA days in the following ten-month period. CONCLUSION: RTW coordination seems to be directed towards some groups of people with a higher risk of long-term SA, but not all, which raises the question of whether or not more people on SA would have benefited from RTW coordination as well. This would likely mean that more finely calibrated ways of identifying people at risk of long-term SA are needed. The reduction in SA days for those who had received RTW coordination needs to be confirmed in further studies.
Staying at Work with Musculoskeletal Pain in a Physically Demanding Job: A Qualitative Exploration of Workers' and Managers' Perspectives.
Stochkendahl MJ, Bond CB, Hartvigsen J
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Sep · PMID 40900407 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Staying at work despite recurrent or persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain offers mental and physical health benefits in addition to financial security for workers. This study explores worker and manager experie...
PURPOSE: Staying at work despite recurrent or persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain offers mental and physical health benefits in addition to financial security for workers. This study explores worker and manager experiences and perspectives on stay-at-work practices to nuance our understanding of what drives successful or unsuccessful practices. METHODS: We conducted a vignette-based qualitative exploration of workplace practices of managers and workers from three medium-sized workplaces with physically demanding jobs. Data collection included five focus group interviews and two workshops. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis inductively and deductively. RESULTS: We identified three themes relating to workplace cultures (Theme 1. Pain is an accepted part of working life), conflicting perceptions of responsibility in managing health impact on stay-at-work practices (Theme 2. Stay-at-work responsibilities and practices), and the importance of trusting communication and the precarious balance between support and pressure to stay at work within the workplace (Theme 3. En route to dismissal). CONCLUSION: The identified themes describe helpful and unhelpful beliefs and practices involving individual workers, their co-workers and managers. Shared and unshared cultural norms, understandings of what MSK pain is and means, and perceptions of responsibility drive stay-at-work practices, with trust being an important factor for the precarious balance between workplace support and pressure to stay at work.
Correction: Present but Overlooked: A Scoping Review of Instruments and Approaches for Measuring Presenteeism Related to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use.
Thompson K, Ahad MA, Di Censo G … +4 more , Hines S, Rich N, McEntee A, Bowden J
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 40888856 · Full text
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