TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2016//
TI  - Pre-post evaluation of an integrated return to work planning program in workers' compensation assessment clinics
JO  - Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
A1  - Thompson, Aaron M. S.
A1  - Bain, Donna
A1  - Theriault, Marc Erick
SP  - 215
EP  - 218
VL  - 58
IS  - 2
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1076-2752
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000000610
ID  - ref1
ER  -