Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Return to Work”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Return to work after lower limb amputation.

This study investigated the proportion of patients who returned to work following amputation and the factors that influenced a positive or negative outcome. One hundred patients of working age who had sustained unilateral lower limb amputation at least 1 year previously and who were established prosthesis users participated in the study. A specially designed questionnaire similar to a guided interview was administered by the rehabilitation physician at the patients' routine follow-ups. The questionnaire yielded a unique score dependent on whether return to work (or a different or preferred occupation) had been achieved with good or reduced productivity. All patients were eligible for mobility benefit, including schemes to purchase suitably adapted vehicles if necessary. However, no vocational rehabilitation was available. Sixty-six per cent of patients returned to employment and this was related to mobility, time since amputation and Handicap Scale scores. Age, socket comfort, level and cause of amputation, type of previous work or the presence of other medical problems did not differ between those who did and did not return to work. The Employment Questionnaire showed good correspondence with the London Handicap Scale, indicating some concurrent validity, although future development might include consideration of psychological factors, which could explain more of the reasons for continued unemployment.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Frequency of returning to work one and six months following percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

We conducted an analysis of the frequency and variables associated with early (after 1 month) and late (after 6 months) return to work after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction in patients who had been randomized in the Stent Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction trial. Of 450 patients who were employed before the acute myocardial infarction, 230 (51%) returned to work within 1 month with no increases in in-hospital and 1- or 6-month event rates compared with those who did not return to work. Multivariate analysis showed that predictors of early return to work were employment in the United States, no history of smoking, and single-vessel coronary disease. At 6 months, 353 of 435 patients (78%) had returned to work, and multivariate analysis showed that predictors of late return to work were employment in the United States and absence of angina.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1983

Factors affecting return to work after hand injury.

The study of 61 hand-injured subjects suggested that it is more than surgical and technical excellence that facilitates the return-to-work status among the hand-injured wage earners. Financial need, level of activities of daily living, and participation in occupational therapy were found to be directly related to return-to-work status. Additional findings indicated no difference between the rate of return to work for those whose injuries affected their dominant hand over those who had nondominant hand injuries. The amount of medical care needed and whether it was delivered as an outpatient or an inpatient were not associated with the return to work. The hand-injured subjects' relevant medical history, participation in occupational therapy, capacity in activities of daily living, desire and ability to return to work, and financial support were quantified through chart audit and interview. Occupational development was measured by using the Moorhead Occupational Work History.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1985

Factors influencing return to work following cerebral infarction.

A study of 379 patients, employed before cerebral infarction and living one year afterward, was undertaken to determine what factors had influenced their returning to work. We found age, occupation, degree of disability, race, and hemisphere infarcted to be significant. Younger patients with less disability were more likely to return to work. Patients employed in professional-managerial positions were more likely to return to work than patients in blue-collar or farming positions. Although there were no racial differences following a left-hemisphere infarct, white patients were more likely to return to work following a right-hemisphere infarct. Sex, blood pressure, severity of stroke, educational level, consciousness level at admission, maximum weakness in extremities, first v repeated stroke, care by a specially trained stroke team, rehabilitation therapy, and speech did not additionally influence the probability of returning to work.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1992

Return to work after uncomplicated myocardial infarction: a trial of practice guidelines in the community.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of practice guidelines for return to work after acute myocardial infarction when disseminated from a university-based setting to a practice-based setting. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. PATIENTS: A total of 187 patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 95) or to usual care (n = 92). The intervention consisted of a treadmill test, a counseling session based on the test results, and a consultation letter from a cardiologist to the primary care physician. Individualized recommendations for the timing of return to work, contained in the consultation letter, were based on the patient's risk for recurrent cardiac events. MEASUREMENTS: Questionnaire, chart review, and a phone interview documented the timing of return to work and the rates of cardiac death, coronary angioplasty, coronary artery surgery, and recurrent myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Median intervals between acute myocardial infarction and return to work were similar in both groups (intervention, 54 days; usual care, 67 days; P greater than 0.2). Among patients without myocardial ischemia, however, the interval was shorter in the intervention group than in the usual care group (38 days compared with 65 days, respectively, P = 0.008). Among patients with myocardial ischemia, intervals were similar in both groups (80 days compared with 76 days, respectively, P greater than 0.2). CONCLUSION: Practice guidelines developed in a university-based setting were not as successful in hastening return to work after uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction when tested in a practice-based setting. Physicians' reluctance to follow guidelines for patients with myocardial ischemia reflected their concern with prognosis even though medical outcome was good.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Return to work following myocardial infarct].

The aim of this retrospective study involving 471 patients was to investigate the percentage of patients who returned to work after acute myocardial infarction. In the group of 350 patients who did not undergo subsequent aortocoronary bypass operation 70% returned to work, whereby half of these patients started work again within 6 months after infarction. A significantly higher number of patients who were enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation programme returned to work as compared with patients not participating in such a programme (72% vs. 59%, respectively; p less than 0.04). There was, however, no difference between these 2 groups with respect to either the time point of resumption of work after myocardial infarction or the duration of employment between infarction and eventual retirement. Of the 121 patients who underwent an aortocoronary bypass operation, only 38% returned to work (p less than 0.001 vs. patients without bypass surgery).

Coronary Artery Bypass↗
PubMed1999

[Head injury victims and their return to work after 6 months to 1 year].

A prospective and longitudinal study about head injury victims was carried out in order to identify their return to productivity after 6 months and 1 year post-trauma and to analyze the relationship between their return to work and their educational level as well as to determine the relationship between their return to work and their type of job before the onset of the injury. Of the 72 patients who were students or employees pre-injury, or housewives at the time of injury, the majority (73.6%) had returned to productivity 6 months after onset of injury. Of the victims who had returned to productivity, 25.0% had changed their original occupations or reported significant problems when returning to productivity. Baseline return was achieved in 48.6% of the victims at 6 months. Return to productivity was higher at 1 year after injury than at 6 months. When the relationship between return to work and educational level and job type was analyzed, return to work was not related to educational level or job type.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Accelerating the return to work (RTW) chances of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients: part 2--development and validation of a vocational rehabilitation programme.

PURPOSE: This paper, part 2 of the two-part paper, reviews return-to-work outcomes among individuals with coronary heart disease, who participated in an experimental field study reported in part 1 of the two-part paper. Study results reflected specific job stressors associated with physical and mental demands among various job tasks. Trends suggest that personality characteristics commonly associated with 'type a' personalities and cardiac disease risk factors may also serve as positive forces that influence return-to-work activity. METHODS/RESULTS: Relatively high levels of job satisfaction were reported among most experimental subjects. Despite having high return-to-work expectations, these patients lacked specific strategies and resources to facilitate a concrete return to work action plan. CONCLUSION: The researchers conclude that it is essential for cardiac rehabilitation staff, when creating a return to work transition for their cardiac patients, to explore the physical and psychosocial dimensions of jobs, the receptivity of the employer, and the accommodations needed to promote a safe and timely return to work.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Pre- and postoperative factors associated with return to work following surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Low back disorders are an increasingly common and costly health problem in Western countries. It has been recommended that the return to work of patients should be the most important outcome measure of medical care. The aim of this study was to compare women's and men's working capacity after lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) operations and to identify the factors related to it. The subjects of this study were 185 women (mean age 54 years, mean follow-up time 4.2 years) and 254 men (mean age 52 years, mean follow-up time 4.3 years). After the operation, 37% of the women and 41% of the men returned to work. None of the patients who had retired before the operation returned to work afterward. The variables that predicted postoperative ability to work for women were: being fit to work at the time of operation, age < 50 years at the time of operation, and duration of LSS symptoms < 2 years. For men, these variables were: being fit to work at the time of operation, age < 50 years at the time of operation, no prior surgery, and the extent of the surgical procedure equal to or less than 1 laminectomy. Women's and men's working capacity do not differ after LSS operation. If the aim is to maximize working capacity, then, when an LSS operation is indicated, it should be performed without delay. In LSS patients who are > 50 years old and on sick leave, it is unrealistic to expect that they will return to work. Therefore, after such an extensive surgical procedure, re-education of patients for lighter jobs could improve the chances of these patients returning to work.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Occupational disorders and return to work: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Goal setting and motivational factors are strongly associated with maintaining a job and return to work after sick leave, but research into the effects of interventions targeting these factors is limited. We conducted a randomized controlled study to examine the vocational effect of intervention focusing on motivation, goal setting and planning for return to work. DESIGN AND METHODS: Of 243 patients at risk of long-term sick leave or job dropout, 184 (76%) provided complete baseline information for the study. After randomization to an intervention group (n=92) and a reference group (n=92), occupational physicians examined the participants in accordance with standard guidelines. The intervention group received additional support from a social worker in order to enhance goal setting, motivation and planning for return to work. After 1 year 163 participants (89%) provided data on general health and employment status. The risk of not being gainfully employed was analysed by logistic regression analysis with adjustment for several covariates. RESULTS: The intervention did not increase the likelihood of gainful employment after 1 year or reduce the average number of days of sick leave. CONCLUSION: A low-cost counselling program addressing motivation, goal setting and planning for return to work did not improve vocational outcomes or reduce sick leave among patients with work-related disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A cognitive-behavioral return-to-work program: effects on pain patients with a history of long-term versus short-term sick leave.

A cognitive-behavioral return-to-work focused program was evaluated in a randomized controlled design, and the effects were compared between two groups of women with musculoskeletal pain. One group of patients (n=36) had a history of long-term sick leave (>12 months) at the start of the program and the other (n=36) had a history of short-term sick leave (2-6 months). The outpatient treatment program, conducted by a psychologist, included 12 sessions with the primary aim to help the patients return-to-work. The treatment first included teaching of coping strategies such as applied relaxation, stress management, graded activity training and pacing. Thereafter the patients were taught how to manage difficulties at their return-to-work and how to generalize coping strategies to different risk factors at their work places. The control condition received treatment-as-usual. The results showed that the cognitive-behavioral return-to-work program was more effective than the treatment-as-usual control condition in reducing the number of days on sick leave for patients on short-term sick leave, but not for patients on long-term sick leave. The treatment program also helped the patients on short-term sick leave to increase their ability to control and decrease pain and to increase their general activity level compared to the control condition. These results underscore the need for an early return-to-work focused rehabilitation to prevent long-term sick leave and disability.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2006

Economic evaluation of a multi-stage return to work program for workers on sick-leave due to low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a return to work (RTW) program for workers on sick-leave due to low back pain (LBP), comparing a workplace intervention implemented between 2 to 8 weeks of sick-leave with usual care, and a clinical intervention after 8 weeks of sick-leave with usual care. DESIGN: Economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial (RCT). STUDY POPULATION: Workers sick-listed for a period of 2 to 6 weeks due to LBP. INTERVENTIONS: 1. workplace assessment, work modifications and case management). 2. physiotherapy based on operant behavioural principles. 3. usual care: provided by an occupational physician. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was return to work (RTW). Other outcomes were pain intensity, functional status, quality of life and general health. The economic evaluation was conducted from a societal perspective. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (after 2-6 weeks on sick-leave), and 12 weeks, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks after the first day of sick-leave. RESULTS: The workplace intervention group returned to work 30.0 days (95% CI=[3.1, 51.3]) earlier on average than the usual care group at slightly higher direct costs (ratio of 1 day: 19 euro). Workers in the clinical intervention group that had received usual care in the first 8 weeks returned to work 21.3 days (95% CI= [-74.1, 29.2]) later on average. The group that had received the workplace intervention in the first 8 weeks and the clinical intervention after 8 weeks returned to work 50.9 days (95% CI=[-89.4, -2.7]) later on average. A workplace intervention was more effective than usual care in RTW at slightly higher costs and was equally effective as usual care at equal costs on other outcomes. A clinical intervention was less effective than usual care and associated with higher costs. CONCLUSION: The workplace intervention results in a safe and faster RTW than usual care at reasonable costs for workers on sick-leave for two to six weeks due to LBP.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

An organizational case study of the case manager's role in a client's return-to-work programme in Australia.

The purpose of this study was to examine the case manager's role in a return-to-work programme in Sydney, Australia. The investigators examined the case manager's role assumed by occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and rehabilitation counsellors when providing occupational rehabilitation services. Files of closed cases (n=172) were examined to investigate the relationship between the case manager's profession and return-to-work outcomes. It was found that the provider of occupational rehabilitation examined in this study achieved above-average return-to-work rates (83%), with no significant difference between case managers. There was, however, a significant relationship between the client's type of injury and the case manager (p<0.001), and case length was significantly different between case managers (p=0.004). The occupational therapist had the largest case management load (43%), followed by the rehabilitation counsellor (23%). There were trends (0.05<p<0.1) between the case manager's profession and return to the same employer, and return to pre-injury, modified or new duties. The provider allocated cases on the basis of professional expertise and skill, which proved to be successful. The provision of workplace-based occupational rehabilitation services combined with case management provides a comprehensive and attractive package to employers and other referrers. Further research is required to investigate factors associated with case management that improve return-to-work outcomes.

Australia↗
PubMed2026

The Impact of Oncological Treatments on Return to Work, Work Ability, and Sickness Absence in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Returning to work and maintaining an adequate ability to work serve as key indicators of quality of life, psychological well-being and psychosocial adjustment. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of breast cancer treatments on return to work (RTW), work ability (WA), and sick leave (SL) among breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The sample consisted of 26 studies published between 2016 and 2025, including prospective multicenter cohorts and national registries from fifteen countries across four continents, with more than 25,000 participants. A methodological quality assessment and a narrative synthesis were performed to synthesize the results. RESULTS: Chemotherapy is the most consistent predictor of prolonged SL, delayed RTW, and significantly reduced WA. Radical surgery and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are associated with a significantly delayed RTW due to physical sequelae. While outcomes showed strong relationship with clinical factors, certain psychosocial variables such as depression, anxiety, and low self-efficacy seemed to act as important secondary factors that can further complicate the process. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that more invasive or aggressive treatments (chemotherapy, ALND, and radical surgery) were associated with poorer outcomes on RTW, WA, and SL. Furthermore, the clinical recovery associated with treatment completion did not necessarily equate to a functional recovery in WA that facilitated a successful RTW. Thus, it is necessary to explore in depth the impact of cancer treatments on WA, alongside psychosocial variables, to design multidisciplinary interventions that enable sustainable occupational reintegration. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2026 (CRD420261322638).

Breast cancer survivors↗
PubMed1993

Return to work following coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Return to work (RTW) and other treatment outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) patients were compared. Consecutive patients at one centre (n = 112 CABG and 119 PTCA patients) were interviewed 6-18 months following treatment (groups were similar in sex and social class). Pre-treatment employment levels were similar (41 and 38% for CABG and PTCA groups, respectively). PTCA patients were more likely to smoke, have angina, have less advanced cardiovascular disease and have been advised to stop working for medical reasons pre-treatment. Post-treatment levels of employment increased significantly. RTW rates were similar for CABG and PTCA groups (59 and 68% respectively). Both groups had reduced smoking to similar levels. The PTCA group continued to have higher levels of angina. For those without angina, PTCA patients were significantly more likely to return to work (73 vs 55%, P < 0.01). Both CABG and PTCA resulted in increased employment post-treatment.

Angina Pectoris↗
PubMed2007

Recovery after stroke: cognition, ADL function and return to work.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the recovery of cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL) ability and vocational situation after stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects below 65 years of age were included. Cognitive function and personal and instrumental ADL were assessed at discharge and at 1 year. Pre-stroke vocational situation was recorded at baseline and at 1 and 3 years after discharge. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients participated. During the first year after discharge, cognitive function and ADL ability improved. At 1 year after discharge, 83% still had cognitive dysfunction, 20% were dependent in ADL and few had returned to work. Only 20% returned to gainful employment 3 years later. CONCLUSIONS: There was a recovery of cognition and ADL function after stroke but few persons returned to work. Good neurological status was found to be a significant factor and recovery of cognitive function a near-significant factor for return to work.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2006

Return to work after two years of total disability: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Little is specifically written regarding the details of clinical interventions with workers with chronic spinal pain. Specifically, the individual thought process behind the management of an injured worker is not often discussed except in clinical conferences or discussions with other clinicians. It is well known that once an injured worker is disabled from work for 2 years, successful return is unlikely. We thought it would be informative to illustrate the clinical approach we took with this case because of the history of long term pain and disability. METHODS: This paper describes the conservative management of a patient who was disabled from work for 2 years, using an integrated approach including chiropractic manipulation, pain education, restricted duty and clear communications among all parties involved. RESULTS: After 15 weeks, the patient returned to her previous occupation as a nurse, first part time, and subsequently full time. CONCLUSION: This report is provided to illustrate a systematic approach diagnosis and treatment to assist this injured workers return to work. This case illustrates that even after 2 years successful return to work can be achieved.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Prognostic factors and treatment-related changes associated with return to work in the multimodal treatment of chronic back pain.

The goals of the current study were to determine those preprogram (= prognostic) variables and treatment-related changes that predict return to work in the multimodal management of chronic back pain. The outcome measures for 143 patients at 6-month follow-up were analyzed. The program had a duration of 4 weeks, was based largely on the functional restoration approach (Mayer and Gatchel, 1998), and occurred within a workers' compensation framework. Some 87% of the patients successfully returned to work. Three sets of predictor variables were considered: demographic/socioeconomic data, physical measures, and psychological measures. Three prognostic variables proved to be significant negative predictors of return to work: time off work, previous spinal surgery, and a clinically elevated (preprogram) score on the MMPI-2 scale Lassitude-Malaise (Hy3). A repeated-measures MANOVA showed an incomplete return to work to be associated with only limited improvement in self-reported disability and pain report. However, patients who failed to return to work did not differ with regard to improvement in objective physical functioning or psychological distress. It is therefore hypothesized that a change in the perceived disability status is the key element necessary to return patients with chronic back pain to work, although ongoing reinforcement schemes operative in the home/work environment may lead to a relapse in the posttreatment phase.

Adult↗