@article{ref1,
title="Pre-post evaluation of an integrated return to work planning program in workers' compensation assessment clinics",
journal="Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine",
year="2016",
author="Thompson, Aaron M. S. and Bain, Donna and Theriault, Marc Erick",
volume="58",
number="2",
pages="215-218",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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). <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1076-2752",
doi="10.1097/JOM.0000000000000610",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000000610"
}