Journal Of Occupational Rehabilitation[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Occupational Health Nurses' Perceptions in Work Ability Risk Management and Analysis.
Sirkka J, Suhonen R, Liira J … +1 more , Stolt M
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Jun · PMID 40088413 · Full text
PURPOSE: Occupational health nurses (OHN) play a key role in identifying and managing work ability risks, as they have close interaction with employees and the customer organization, and they monitor work ability in mult...
PURPOSE: Occupational health nurses (OHN) play a key role in identifying and managing work ability risks, as they have close interaction with employees and the customer organization, and they monitor work ability in multiple ways. The study aimed to describe OHNs' perceptions of work ability risk management and analysis (WARMA) and identify promoting and hindering factors. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study with semi-structured thematic interviews was conducted in May-June 2023, using purposive sampling of ten OHNs. The data were analyzed using both inductive and deductive approaches. FINDINGS: OHNs perceived management and analysis of work ability risks as important work. The management and analysis of work ability risks was described as the central core work of occupational health care, which is carried out at the level of the customer organization and at the individual level. Factors promoting the management and analysis of work ability risks are electronic tools, time resources, occupational health cooperation, multi-professional cooperation, and personal experience. Factors hindering WARMA are insufficient time resources and productivity pressures. CONCLUSION: OHNs' perceptions of WARMA varied. There are multiple factors that promote or hinder WARMA which require consideration at individual and organizational levels. The findings of this study provide a basis for further research that could focus on measuring OHNs' overall competence in WARMA.
Organizational Practices and Their Outcomes for Employees with Disabilities: A Review and Synthesis of Quantitative Studies.
van Berkel R, Breit E
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 40074932 · Full text
PURPOSE: This review and synthesis aims to answer the following question: what do existing empirical studies tell us about the relationship between organizational practices and their outcomes in terms of the performance,...
PURPOSE: This review and synthesis aims to answer the following question: what do existing empirical studies tell us about the relationship between organizational practices and their outcomes in terms of the performance, well-being and sustainable employment of employees with disabilities? METHODS: This review builds on a scoping review of empirical studies of organizational practices aimed at the hiring and retention of people with disabilities. It focuses on a specific group of studies identified in the scoping review: studies examining outcomes of organizational practices for employees with disabilities (EWD). Additional selection criteria were: (1) studies focused on the performance, well-being and sustainable employment of EWD; (2) studies used quantitative methods; and (3) studies were published in high-quality journals. This resulted in 27 articles. RESULTS: Three clusters of organizational practices received most attention in the articles: workplace relations and organizational culture; accommodations; and leadership. The studies found significant positive and negative relationships between practices in these clusters and the three outcomes mentioned above. These empirical findings were supported by the theoretical perspectives used in the studies. Although diverse, most of these theoretical perspectives share their focus on interactions between individuals and their (work) environment. DISCUSSION: We recommend that future research into the outcomes of organizational practices for EWD should be both broader (examining more clusters of practices and their outcomes for people with and without disabilities) and deeper (examining similar practices-outcome combinations in different contexts). This will increase our understanding of what practices work for whom under what circumstances.
Evaluating Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation Among Workers Admitted to a Posttraumatic Stress Injury Rehabilitation Program.
Krebs BK, Brehon K, Miciak M … +4 more , Dick BD, Brémault-Phillips SC, Straube S, Gross DP
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 40064793 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Telerehabilitation or hybrid delivery (i.e., a mixture of telerehabilitation and in-person care) was increasingly used to deliver posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) rehabilitation in response to the COVID-19 pan...
PURPOSE: Telerehabilitation or hybrid delivery (i.e., a mixture of telerehabilitation and in-person care) was increasingly used to deliver posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) rehabilitation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited research, however, has evaluated the use of telerehabilitation to deliver PTSI interventions, including exposure-based therapies, and some service providers concerned about the potential adverse effects of delivery over telerehabilitation continue to advocate for in-person delivery. We evaluated the effectiveness of telerehabilitation versus hybrid delivery in promoting return-to-work (RTW) among workers with PTSI. METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic, quasi-experimental study using archived data from workers undergoing PTSI rehabilitation programs offered by the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta. The RTW outcomes of workers treated solely using telerehabilitation between November 6, 2020, and September 30, 2021, were compared to outcomes of workers treated using a hybrid model of delivery. A logistic regression analysis was used to examine if the method of treatment delivery was associated with RTW outcomes while controlling for a variety of potential confounders. RESULTS: The study cohort included 222 workers with ongoing workers' compensation claims for PTSI. The majority were middle-aged (mean 42 years) men (61%) working as public safety personnel (35.9%) or in transport occupations (25.2%). The adjusted regression model showed no statistically significant differences in RTW outcomes between workers receiving telerehabilitation or hybrid treatment (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.7; 95% CI 0.8-3.6). CONCLUSION: PTSI rehabilitation programs delivered exclusively via virtual means appear to produce RTW outcomes that are equally effective to delivery using a hybrid model.
Precarious but Possible: A Qualitative Study of the Landscape of Gig Work for People Living with Disabilities and Future Recommendations for Best Practices.
Penner S, Griffith J, Hughes E … +2 more , Karoli K, Stockdale C
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Mar · PMID 40042767 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The gig economy has rapidly emerged as a popular employment option, offering flexible work arrangements and opportunities for individuals seeking alternative employment. While its potential benefits are oft...
INTRODUCTION: The gig economy has rapidly emerged as a popular employment option, offering flexible work arrangements and opportunities for individuals seeking alternative employment. While its potential benefits are often highlighted, limited research exists on how the gig economy specifically impacts people with disabilities. AIMS: This qualitative study aims to explore and understand the experiences of individuals with disabilities who engage in gig work. METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of participants living with one or more disabilities who are engaged in gig work. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common patterns, experiences, and challenges faced by participants. RESULTS: Preliminary findings indicate that the gig economy offers both opportunities and obstacles for people with disabilities. Opportunities include increased autonomy, flexible working hours, and the ability to leverage their unique skills and strengths. However, participants also reported encountering barriers such as income insecurity, discrimination, and a lack of benefits. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the nuanced experiences of participants based on factors such as disability type and the nature of work performed. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the gig economy's impact on people with disabilities and inform policy and practice recommendations to enhance inclusivity, accessibility, and support mechanisms within this emerging work paradigm. Future research can build upon these findings to develop interventions and strategies that promote equitable opportunities and address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities in the gig economy.
What Predicts Changes in the Work Situation of Recently Diagnosed People with Multiple Sclerosis and do these Predictors also Apply to Healthy People?
Saddal SRD, van der Hiele K, Motazedi E … +9 more , van Egmond EEA, Visser LH, Waskowiak PT, van der Kruit A, van Dam M, Schoonheim MM, de Groot V, Hulst HE, Schaafsma FG
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 40014261 · Full text
PURPOSE: To study associations of baseline predictors with work difficulties and number of working hours after one year in recently diagnosed people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Furthermore, to analyze whether these p...
PURPOSE: To study associations of baseline predictors with work difficulties and number of working hours after one year in recently diagnosed people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Furthermore, to analyze whether these predictors are generic, i.e., apply to healthy people as well, or are disease specific. METHODS: TEMPRANO and MS@Work data were combined resulting in a dataset of 135 recently diagnosed PwMS (≤ 1 year) and 172 healthy people. We analyzed the associations of baseline predictors that fit within the international classification of functioning and health (ICF) framework using a mixed-effect negative-binomial model with log link for work difficulties and number of working hours after one year, and fitted each model using a fully Bayesian approach. RESULTS: Slower information processing speed was a disease-specific predictor for more work difficulties after one year (posterior mean ratio (PMR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.69, 0.97]). Higher conscientiousness was a generic predictor for more working hours after one year (PMR = 1.02, 95%CI = [1.01, 1.03] for PwMS and PMR = 1.01, 95% CI = [1.00, 1.02] for healthy people). Being male (PMR = 0.75, 95% CI = [0.58, 0.96]), being younger (PMR = 0.99, 95% CI = [0.98, 1.00]), higher information processing speed (PMR = 1.08, 95% CI = [1.04, 1.13]), better learning and memory (PMR = 1.09, 95% CI = [1.03, 1.15]), and mentally burdensome job tasks (PMR = 1.36, 95% CI = [1.22, 1.52]) were disease-specific predictors for more working hours after one year. CONCLUSION: For recently diagnosed PwMS, disease-specific predictors that fit within the ICF framework associate with perceived work difficulties and working hours after one year.
Barriers and Facilitators for Interprofessional Education in Work-Focused Healthcare: An Integrative Review.
Zwaan E, Zipfel N, Kuijer-Siebelink W … +2 more , Oomens S, van der Burg-Vermeulen SJ
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39988638 · Full text
PURPOSE: To identify, summarize, and synthesize barriers and facilitators associated with interprofessional education (IPE) for work-focused healthcare professionals such as occupational physicians, social insurance phys...
PURPOSE: To identify, summarize, and synthesize barriers and facilitators associated with interprofessional education (IPE) for work-focused healthcare professionals such as occupational physicians, social insurance physicians, and labor experts, to inform and stimulate interprofessional collaborative practice within the field of work-focused healthcare. METHODS: An integrative review was conducted to identify studies that report on IPE for work-focused healthcare professionals. Eight databases (APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science) were searched until March 2024. Reference lists of included articles were screened. Inclusion criteria were a description of an IPE activity of which at least one group of participants were work-focused healthcare professionals (in training). Barriers and facilitators were structured using the framework of Measurement Instruments for Determinants of Innovation (MIDI). RESULTS: From 6123 studies, seven were included. Barriers and facilitators were identified for each level of the MIDI framework. For example, at the level of characteristics of the IPE activity, involvement of skilled educators and reflection opportunities facilitated IPE. At the level of characteristics of IPE participants, role misunderstanding and lack of interaction hindered IPE. At the level of the organizational context, connection to work practice facilitated IPE. At the level of socio-political context, lack of support from external organizations hindered IPE. CONCLUSION: Insights from this review can inform future IPE development. It is recommended that IPE is integrated in a learning continuum, is connected to daily practice, and includes reflection possibilities and training for interprofessional competencies.
Intervention challenges experienced in physiotherapy and occupational therapy with workers' pain and disability representations: a mixed methods study.
Godbout P, Coutu MF, Durand MJ
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 39976825 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The study objectives were to (1) identify prevalent unhelpful worker-held pain and disability representations and (2) explore clinicians' intervention challenges with these representations. METHODS: An explanato...
PURPOSE: The study objectives were to (1) identify prevalent unhelpful worker-held pain and disability representations and (2) explore clinicians' intervention challenges with these representations. METHODS: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used (quan → QUAL). Secondary analysis of a database was performed first. The database included the scores obtained by 297 sick-listed workers with musculoskeletal disorders on the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for Work Disability. Descriptive statistics identified the most prevalent unhelpful worker-held representations. Quantitative results were used to develop an interview guide. Semi-structured interviews explored the physiotherapy professionals' (n = 8) and occupational therapists' (n = 6) intervention challenges with workers' pain and disability representations. RESULTS: The secondary data analysis showed that perceptions of severe consequences, unpredictable symptoms, and negative emotions were the most prevalent unhelpful worker-held representations. The interviews identified clinicians' key intervention challenges as two specific pain-and-disability representation patterns. The first depicted workers' perceptions of unpredictable and uncontrollable pain, perceptions that generate negative emotions. The clinicians associated this pattern with workers' sense of helplessness. The second pattern involved workers' firm beliefs in a biomedical cause, leading to their perceptions of low levels of treatment and personal pain control. According to clinicians, this pattern led to workers' resistance to active rehabilitation. The clinicians regarded both patterns as hindering worker engagement in rehabilitation treatment. CONCLUSION: The clinicians' key intervention challenges were two pain-and-disability representation patterns, which included or not, prevalent unhelpful worker-held representations. The results underscore the need to develop a transdisciplinary intervention for work rehabilitation clinicians that takes pain and disability representations into account.
Realising the Case Management Ideal in Multi-organisational Coordination Work to Support Work Ability and (Re)employment in Finland.
Juvonen-Posti P, Nevala N, Kaleva S
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 39976824 · Full text
PURPOSE: Inclusivity policies can positively impact labour shortages. The ideal approach to work ability services has shifted from being system centred to being individually tailored and human centred. Service systems ar...
PURPOSE: Inclusivity policies can positively impact labour shortages. The ideal approach to work ability services has shifted from being system centred to being individually tailored and human centred. Service systems are complex in many countries and case managers, referred to here as coordinators, play a key role in achieving the human-centred goal of increasing labour force participation. However, the literature on the practices of these coordinators and their distinct roles in supporting work ability and (re)employment and the contexts in which they do so is limited. This study aimed to clarify what these coordinators do and to explore the extent to which coordinating work meets the ideal of individualised support in different operating contexts. METHODS: The design was a mixed-method study, which utilised two data sources to answer the same complex questions. It consisted of surveys, and in-depth interviews that were based on its results. A total of 241 professionals from various services responded to these surveys, and 15 volunteers were interviewed. The questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, whereas the interviews were examined using thematic analysis. After this, the data were integrated according to a multi-level context framework. RESULTS: Initially, the coordinators from different sectors shared similar human-oriented values and ways of working. However, crossing administrative and organisational boundaries proved difficult, even though this was essential for the continuity of the client's process. As a result, ideal case management was not fully achieved. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight a necessity for joint policies and practices, and organisational engagement to long-term collaboration.
Feasibility and Effects of Exercise During Working Hours in Acute Hospital Staff - A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.
Nielsen SG, Pedersen M, Toftager-Oster JU … +4 more , Saervoll CA, Fischer TK, Lindegaard B, Molsted S
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 39966325 · Full text
PURPOSE: Workplace health interventions with exercise have positive effects on musculoskeletal pain and well-being at work, however, effectiveness is questioned due to low adherence. In hospitals participation is challen...
PURPOSE: Workplace health interventions with exercise have positive effects on musculoskeletal pain and well-being at work, however, effectiveness is questioned due to low adherence. In hospitals participation is challenged by shiftwork and unpredictable workload. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of exercise during working hours in an acute hospital, herein to estimate the health impact to guide management decisions on implementation. METHODS: A clinical trial in a public hospital, offering staff supervised group-based individualized exercise with combined aerobic and strength training during working hours twice weekly for 20 weeks. Delivery, acceptance, and adherence were investigated. Subjective outcomes were social capital, well-being, quality of life, and musculoskeletal pain were assessed. Objective outcomes were blood pressure, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness. RESULTS: Twenty-three percent of the employees (n = 617) accepted participation (92% female, median age was 50 years, 38% nurses). Adherence was 29% with no difference between employees with clinical versus non-clinical functions. Non-clinicians participated during working hours, while clinicians participated outside of working hours in 50% (IQR 5-87) of the sessions. Positive changes were seen in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (decreased 2.0 [0.9; 2.2] and 0.9 [0.1; 1.7] mmHG, respectively), aerobic capacity 2.3 ml/O2/min/kg [1.7; 2.9], and in waist-hip ratio, social capital, well-being, quality of life, and musculoskeletal pain. CONCLUSION: Exercise during working hours in an acute hospital staff was feasible, but strategies to increase acceptance and adherence are necessary for a successful implementation. Despite low adherence, the intervention was associated with improvements of physical and mental health. REGISTRATION: The study protocol has been uploaded on www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (NCT04988724).
Resistance Exercise Training on Musculoskeletal, Metabolic and Psychological Health in Sedentary Office Workers - Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Chandrasekaran B, Bairapareddy KC, Rao CR
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39953203 · Full text
PURPOSE: To consolidate the emerging evidence on the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) in reducing the health risks among sedentary office workers. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched for evidence fr...
PURPOSE: To consolidate the emerging evidence on the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) in reducing the health risks among sedentary office workers. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched for evidence from its inception till september 20, 2024. Studies were included if they examined any form of RT program targeting musculoskeletal, metabolic, or psychological health outcomes in office workers aged 18 years or older using PICOS criteria (Population - office workers, Intervention - RT program, Comparison - placebo or sham control and Outcomes - musculoskeletal, cardiometabolic and psychological health variables). Two reviewers independently screened the studies for risk of bias and assessed the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Out of 60 identified studies, 17 studies were eligible for narrative synthesis, and 16 were included in the meta-analysis. Modest reductions in neck (SMD = -1.76, I = 88%, p < 0.00001) and shoulder discomfort (SMD = -13.29, I = 91%, p < 0.00001), while marginal improvement in shoulder (SMD = 4.13, I = 99%, p = 0.03) and neck extensor muscle strength (SMD = 9.07, I = 9%, p < 0.00001). The cardiometabolic and mental health risk markers remain unaltered. High uncertainty of evidence was observed due to high heterogeneity, risk of bias, inconsistency and publication bias. CONCLUSION: Limited evidence demonstrate supervised RT programs of any dose has a potential to improve muscular strength and discomfort while potential cardiometabolic and mental health risk outcomes remain unaltered. However, more high-quality research trials are needed to understand the effects of RT on health benefits.
Changes in Pregabalin Dispensing to Australians with Workers' Compensation Claims for Low Back Pain Following the Listing of Pregabalin on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Di Donato MF, Abdel Shaheed C, Collie A … +2 more , Maher CG, Mathieson S
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 39939569 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify whether the inclusion of pregabalin on the list of medicines subsidised by the Australian government in 2013 resulted in changes to the dispensing of pregabalin to Australians with worke...
OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify whether the inclusion of pregabalin on the list of medicines subsidised by the Australian government in 2013 resulted in changes to the dispensing of pregabalin to Australians with workers' compensation claims for low back pain. METHODS: Using a sample of workers' compensation claims and payments data (2010-2018), we measured the prevalence of pregabalin dispensing and time to first pregabalin dispensing in workers whose claim began before, during or after pregabalin was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) with binary logistic and Cox proportional hazards models. We used interrupted time-series analyses to measure changes in the monthly number, percentage of pain medicines, percentage of gabapentinoid dispensings, and median cost per dispensing of pregabalin. RESULTS: Of the 17,689 workers included in the study, 13.7% (n = 2431) were dispensed pregabalin during the study period. Workers in the groups whose claim occurred before or during when pregabalin was listed on the PBS were at significantly lower odds of being dispensed pregabalin than the group whose claim began after PBS listing (OR 0.20, 99% CI 0.15, 0.25 and OR 0.40, 99% CI 0.33, 0.48, respectively). There were significant step increases in the number of pregabalin dispensings (26.3%, 99% CI 6.2%, 50.3%), percentage of pain medicines that were pregabalin (29.3%, 99% CI 1.5%, 64.9%), and percentage of gabapentinoid dispensings that were pregabalin (13.9%, 99% CI 7.5%, 20.6%). There was a significant step decrease in the median cost per pregabalin dispensing (- 61.8%, 99% CI - 66.8%, - 56.1%). CONCLUSION: Listing pregabalin on the PBS saw significant increases in the prevalence, number and percentage of pain medicines, and significant decreases in time to first pregabalin dispensing and cost.
A Systematic Review and Evaluation of the Tools Measuring Work-Related Psychosocial Factors in Prospective Research on Sickness Absence of Health Care Workers.
Corthésy-Blondin L, Margheritti S, Vila Masse S … +2 more , Gragnano A, Negrini A
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39921797 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This systematic literature review aims to list the validated tools measuring work-related psychosocial factors (WRPFs) influence health care workers' (HCWs) sickness absence (SA), and to evaluate their psychomet...
PURPOSE: This systematic literature review aims to list the validated tools measuring work-related psychosocial factors (WRPFs) influence health care workers' (HCWs) sickness absence (SA), and to evaluate their psychometric and practical properties. METHODS: Using the PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science databases, the search targeted prospective studies on WRPFs and SA in HCWs published between 2012 and 2023. The validated, self-report tools that measured WRPFs and that yielded at least one significant predictor of SA in HCWs were identified. An evaluation of the psychometric and practical properties was performed. RESULTS: Based on inclusion criteria, three prospective studies on HCWs were included, and twelve tools were listed. Psychometric and practical properties were "excellent" for six tools, "good" for four, and "questionable" for two. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers and occupational health practitioners can use tools with "good" to "excellent" overall quality to measure traditional WRPFs that predict SA in HCWs. There is a need to develop and validate tools that measure WRPFs representing the specific characteristics of the health care working environment. Other WRPFs relevant to the work context of HCWs can be measured by extant tools that could be used in research and program development and evaluation.
Work Ability during the Return to Work Process: Results from a Mixed Methods Follow-Up Study Among Employees with Common Mental Disorders.
Sikora A, Stegmann R, Schröder UB … +3 more , Schulz IL, Wegewitz U, Bültmann U
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39915346 · Full text
PURPOSE: A main goal during the return to work (RTW) process after a long-term sickness absence due to common mental disorders (CMDs), is to restore and maintain employees' work ability to enable their sustained work par...
PURPOSE: A main goal during the return to work (RTW) process after a long-term sickness absence due to common mental disorders (CMDs), is to restore and maintain employees' work ability to enable their sustained work participation. This study jointly examined employees' work ability ratings and experiences during their RTW process with CMDs. METHODS: In a mixed methods follow-up study of N = 286 participants, work ability was quantitatively assessed with the Work Ability Score (WAS, range 0-10) at baseline (week before clinical discharge) and after 6, 12, 18, and 30 months. In a sub-sample, the qualitative work ability experiences of N = 32 participants were analysed at 6 and 12 months, and were jointly evaluated with the quantitative data. RESULTS: The mean WAS increased during the first 18 months of follow-up. Three groups of qualitative work ability experiences emerged: Employees with (1) poor work ability (WAS 0-3), who did not RTW yet and described great difficulties in coping with everyday life, (2) moderate work ability (WAS 4-6), who mainly did RTW, but still showed a certain level of fragility, and (3) good to very good work ability (WAS 7-10), who mainly returned to work and reported many individual and work accommodations to maintain their work ability. CONCLUSION: The present study provides new insights into different aspects of work ability experiences, especially during the later RTW phases, where restoring and maintaining work ability is essential for a sustained work participation. This knowledge may help RTW stakeholders to better tailor support during the RTW process.
Suffering of Common Mental Disorders but Still at Work: A Longitudinal Study During Periods of Differences in Regulations for Having Sick Leave.
Helgesson M, Gustafsson K, Leineweber C
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Jun · PMID 39890734 · Full text
PURPOSE: The aim was to analyse the relationships between work environment characteristics and periods of sick leave (> 14 days) in individuals diagnosed with common mental disorders (CMDs) across 1993-2014. Additionally...
PURPOSE: The aim was to analyse the relationships between work environment characteristics and periods of sick leave (> 14 days) in individuals diagnosed with common mental disorders (CMDs) across 1993-2014. Additionally, the study describes changes in the work environment and sick leave trends over these two periods. METHODS: From the Swedish Work Environment Surveys (SWES) 1993-2013, participants with a diagnosis of a CMD up to five years before the interview were drawn (n = 3795). Risk ratios (RRs) of the annual average number of sick leave days one year after the interview in SWES (1993-2014) were calculated for various work environment characteristics, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Having flexible working hours (RR 0.65: 0.46-0.91) and having an active job (RR 0.60: 0.41-0.88), that is, high job demands and high job control, were associated with a significantly decreased risk for a spell of sick leave > 14 days after adjusting for interview year, age, sex, and educational level. There was a tendency that also some aspects of job control, i.e. influence over working hours (RR 0.79: 0.62-1.01) and influence over work pace (0.80: 0.62-1.03), were associated with a lower risk of having > 14 days of sick leave. There was a more substantial effect on these work environment factors in 2009-2013 than 1993-2007. CONCLUSION: Enabling flexible working hours and influencing work pace and working hours can decrease the risk of sick leave among employees diagnosed with a CMD.
Improving Occupational Rehabilitation for People Living with Long COVID.
DeMars J, Durand-Moreau Q, Branton E … +3 more , Nowrouzi-Kia B, Gross DP, participants of the 2024 Canadian Symposium on Long COVID Return to Work Session
J Occup Rehabil · 2025 Mar · PMID 39878862 · Publisher ↗
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Screening Young Adult Cancer Patients for Vocational Rehabilitation Services: A Vocational Rehabilitation Readiness Screening Tool.
Robert R, Andersen CR, Murphy KM … +7 more , Medina-George S, Scardaville M, Conley SR, Farris D, Roth M, Nguyen V, Frieden L
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39871010 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: We aimed to develop an online vocational rehabilitation (VR) readiness screening (VRRS) tool for young adults diagnosed with cancer. VR readiness was defined as being physically and cognitively ready to enter or...
PURPOSE: We aimed to develop an online vocational rehabilitation (VR) readiness screening (VRRS) tool for young adults diagnosed with cancer. VR readiness was defined as being physically and cognitively ready to enter or return to work or school. METHODS: We developed an initial VRRS tool informed by previous studies, a scoping review to determine such a tool had not already been developed, and consultation with subject matter experts. We iteratively refined the tool on the basis of four rounds of interviews with young adults with cancer. The refined VRRS was then administered online to patients before they attended scheduled clinic appointments. We evaluated the VRRS completion rate; the ability of the online VRRS tool to assess patients' readiness for VR; and the concordance between clinical interview and that of the online VRRS tool, which was determined by using Cohen's κ or a fitting alternative; κ ≥ .61 suggested clinical utility. RESULTS: The proportion of study participants completing the VRRS was 72.3% (136/188, 95% CI [65.4%, 78.6%]) and 69.2% (81/117, 95% CI [60.0%, 77.4%]) of participants who completed a clinical interview also completed the online VRRS tool. All clinical interview determinations and 93.8% (76/81) of online VRRS tool indicated participants' VR readiness. The VRRS-clinical interview agreement rate was 93.8% (95% CI [86.2%, 98.0%]). The prevalence index, bias index, and prevalence- and bias-adjusted κ statistic with 95% CIs were 0.938 [- 0.991, - 0.886], 0.062 [0.009, 0.114], and 0.877 [0.724, 0.959], respectively. CONCLUSION: The VRRS tool is thus both feasible and effective in this sample of young adults with cancer.
Project ECHO Occupational and Environmental Medicine: A Qualitative Study of HealthCare Providers Supporting Workers with Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.
Nowrouzi-Kia B, Carlin L, Furlan AD … +6 more , Harbin S, Severin CN, Irvin E, Carnide N, Thompson AMS, Adisesh A
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39825986 · Full text
PURPOSE: This qualitative study investigated the needs, barriers, and facilitators that affect primary care providers' involvement in supporting patients' stay-at-work and return-to-work following injury or illness. It a...
PURPOSE: This qualitative study investigated the needs, barriers, and facilitators that affect primary care providers' involvement in supporting patients' stay-at-work and return-to-work following injury or illness. It also aims to understand the lived experiences of primary care providers who participated in the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes training program for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ECHO OEM). By examining both the structural and experiential aspects of the program, this study seeks to provide insights into how ECHO OEM influences providers' approaches to occupational health challenges. METHODS: Those who attended ECHO OEM sessions were invited to participate in the research study. Four focus groups and five one-on-one interviews were conducted with healthcare providers participating in ECHO OEM. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. This study was structured according to the COREQ Checklist. RESULTS: We discussed six main themes: (1) Challenges with Engaging with Workers' Compensation Boards; (2) Return to Work practices; (3) Health and Well-Being; (4) Communication is Important; (5) Perspective from the Workplace; and (6) Feedback on ECHO OEM. CONCLUSION: ECHO OEM sessions contribute to and impact healthcare providers' knowledge of supporting injured or ill workers. Topics that deserve further attention include incorporating comorbid physical and mental health conditions, navigating workers' compensation systems, and supporting specific populations such as military veterans and emergency personnel.
Factors Associated with the Timing of Initial Visit to Healthcare Providers for Injured Workers with Low Back Pain Claims: A Multijurisdiction Retrospective Cohort.
Mekonnen TH, Russell G, Sheehan LR … +2 more , Collie A, Di Donato M
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39806239 · Full text
PURPOSE: Evidence shows that patient outcomes following musculoskeletal injury have been associated with the timing of care. Despite the increasing number of injured workers presenting with low back pain (LBP) in primary...
PURPOSE: Evidence shows that patient outcomes following musculoskeletal injury have been associated with the timing of care. Despite the increasing number of injured workers presenting with low back pain (LBP) in primary care, little is known about the factors that are associated with the timing of initial healthcare provider visits. This study investigated factors that are associated with the timing of initial workers' compensation (WC)-funded care provider visits for LBP claims. METHODS: We used a retrospective cohort design. A standardised multi-jurisdiction database of LBP claims with injury dates from July 2011 to June 2015 was analysed. Determinants of the time to initial general practitioner (GPs) and or musculoskeletal (MSK) therapists were investigated using an accelerated failure time model, with a time ratio (TR) > 1 indicating a longer time to initial healthcare provider visit. RESULTS: 9088 LBP claims were included. The median time to first healthcare provider visit was 3 days (interquartile range (IQR) 1-9). Compared to General practitioners (GPs) (median 3 days, IQR 1-8), the timing of initial consultation was longer if the first healthcare providers were MSK therapists (median 5 days, IQR 2-14) (p < 0.001). Female workers had a shorter time to first healthcare provider visit [TR = 0.87; 95% CI (0.78, 0.97)] compared to males. It took twice as long to see MSK therapists first as it did to see GPs for injured workers [TR = 2.12; 95% CI (1.88, 2.40)]. Professional workers and those from remote areas also experienced delayed initial healthcare provider visits. CONCLUSIONS: The time to initial healthcare provider visit for compensable LBP varied significantly by certain occupational and contextual factors. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of the timing of initial visits to healthcare providers on claim outcomes.
Work-Related Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors Influencing Workplace Sickness Absence: A Systematic Literature Review.
Margheritti S, Corthésy-Blondin L, Vila Masse S … +1 more , Negrini A
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39776359 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Employee sickness absence (SA) is a significant issue facing organizations and individuals worldwide, leading to multiple negative consequences, such as increased costs, early retirement, decreased productivity,...
PURPOSE: Employee sickness absence (SA) is a significant issue facing organizations and individuals worldwide, leading to multiple negative consequences, such as increased costs, early retirement, decreased productivity, and reduced quality of work. Therefore, within the occupational health and safety (OHS) framework, it is crucial to explore the factors that help workforces stay at work sustainably. This study investigates the role of work-related psychosocial factors (WRPFs) as predictors of SA and suggests proactive measures to prevent its occurrence. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted within the Job Demands-Resources Model framework. Following the PRISMA Checklist, 1087 articles from PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science databases were screened, and 30 longitudinal studies were included. RESULTS: The findings describe SA as a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by risk (e.g., poor quality leadership, bullying, and violence) and protective WRPFs (e.g., developmental opportunities and social support). These factors, spanning contextual, content-related, and relational dimensions, collectively influence workers' SA over time. CONCLUSIONS: These insights provide valuable guidance for researchers and OHS stakeholders, supporting the development of research and interventions aimed at preventing SA. This research contributes important knowledge to the field, paving the way for more targeted strategies that address the organizational causes of SA and promote healthier, more productive work environments.
"Missing Mobility": Perspectives of North American Firefighters on the Risks and Causes of Work-Related Shoulder Disorders: A Qualitative Study.
Osifeso TA, MacDermid JC, Berinyuy DA … +2 more , Parikh P, Faber KJ
J Occup Rehabil · 2026 Mar · PMID 39776358 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Firefighters are routinely exposed to significant work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) which can sometimes be career-ending due to the workplace stressors and the physical demands of the job. Shoul...
BACKGROUND: Firefighters are routinely exposed to significant work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) which can sometimes be career-ending due to the workplace stressors and the physical demands of the job. Shoulder disorders are the third most frequent WRMSDs that cause pain, disability, and morbidity in the general working population. However, little is known about the task-specific causes and risk factors for work-related shoulder disorders (WSDs) among firefighters (FFs). OBJECTIVES: To explore the perspectives of FFs who experienced WSDs with respect to the following: (a) risk factors of WSDs; and (b) causative factors for WSDs. METHODS: Using an interpretive descriptive methodology, we purposefully sampled for age and occupational diversity. Twelve FFs (males, 8 and females, 4) between 26 and 63 years, who experienced WSDs during their career ranging from 3 to 33 years were recruited. One-on-one interviews based on a semi-structured interview guide were conducted via an online Zoom platform and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The WSDs reported by FFs included rotator cuff tears, labral tears and muscle sprains or strains. Three themes were identified as risk factors for WSDs: (1) too much or too little shoulder exercises is a risk for shoulder injuries; (2) internal contextual factors can increase the risk of shoulder injurie; and (3) personal factors such as age and sex mediate the risk of shoulder injuries. Three themes were reported by FFs as the causative factors of WSDs: (1) unpredictable hazards in harsh environmental conditions can lead to traumatic shoulder injuries; (2) maneuvering heavy equipment in non-ergonomic positions can lead to shoulder strains; and (3) routine firefighting tasks can lead to gradual onset of shoulder injuries. IMPLICATIONS: Our results emphasized the inter-related and multifaceted nature of the risks and causative factors that increase the risk of traumatic or gradual onset WSDs among FFs. There is a need for a comprehensive prevention and self-management program that addresses fire-specific prevention and treatment program that addresses modifiable environmental, behavioral and personal risks factors.
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