Citation

Thompson AM, Bain D, Theriault ME. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2016; 58(2): 215-218.

Affiliation

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Thompson, Dr Bain, Mr Theriault); Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Thompson).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000000610

PMID

26849266

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.

Language: en