Outcomes of an interdisciplinary work rehabilitation program.
Mitchell R Voss, Jennifer K Homa, Maharaj Singh and 2 others
PMID 31658084WHAT IT FOUND
After a comprehensive interdisciplinary program that typically involved physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician, case managers, athletic trainers, psychologists, and vocational counselors, more patients worked at discharge and lifted more pounds.
Single components cannot be separated.
Key findings
01More participants were working at discharge (406, 83.9%) than at admission (153, 31.6%).
02Mean strength during work simulation lifting was higher at discharge than admission for spine, upper quadrant, and lower quadrant injuries.
03Participants who did not return to work had more days off before starting, but strength at discharge was not associated with injury type or days off.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study had no control group, so it cannot show whether patients would have improved without the program. Patients received multiple disciplines together, so the contribution of physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician input, case management, athletic training, psychology, or vocational counseling cannot be separated. Referral was based on provider judgment with minimal inclusion criteria, which may introduce bias. There were no standardized discharge criteria, so length of stay and discharge timing may vary. The database was from one not-for-profit healthcare system in Wisconsin, USA, so results may not apply elsewhere. Outcomes were reported at discharge only, not at longer follow-up.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that the program caused these improvements. The study had no control group, and patients received physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician, case manager, athletic trainer, psychologist, and vocational counselor input together, so any single component cannot be separated.