@article{ref1,
title="Return-to-work experiences in Ontario policing: injured but not broken",
journal="Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation",
year="2023",
author="Van Eerd, D. and Le Pouésard, M. and Yanar, B. and Irvin, E. and Gignac, M. A. M. and Jetha, A. and Morose, T. and Tompa, E.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="PURPOSE: Police officers and others working in police services are exposed to challenging and traumatic situations that can result in physical and/or psychological injuries requiring time off work. Safely returning to work post-injury is critical, yet little is known about current return-to-work (RTW) practices in police services. This study examines RTW practices and experiences in police services from the perspective of RTW personnel and workers with physical and/or psychological health conditions. <br><br>METHODS: We used a purposive sampling approach to recruit sworn and civilian members from several police services in Ontario, Canada. The recruited members had experienced RTW either as a person in a RTW support role or as a worker with a work-related injury/illness. We conducted and transcribed interviews for analysis and used qualitative research methods to identify themes in the data. <br><br>RESULTS: Five overarching themes emerged. Two pointed to the context and culture of police services and included matters related to RTW processes, injury/illness complexity, the hierarchical nature of police organizations, and a culture of stoicism and stigma. The remaining three themes pointed to the RTW processes of accommodation, communication and trust-building. They included issues related to recovery from injury/illness, meaningful accommodation, timely and clear communication, malingering and trust. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings point to potential areas for improving RTW practices in police services: greater flexibility, more clarity, stricter confidentiality and reduced stigma. More research is needed on RTW practices for managing psychological injuries to help inform policy and practice.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1053-0487",
doi="10.1007/s10926-023-10135-1",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10926-023-10135-1"
}