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Utility of the functional assessment measure after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Functional Assessment Measure (FAM), and community integration and return to work in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). DESIGN: A cross-sectional, prospective design was used to collect data at 6 and 24 months postdischarge. The Return to Work Scale (RTW) and Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) were selected to assess return to work and community functioning. Predictor variables included the motor and cognitive subscales of the FIM and the FAM. SETTING: Follow-up database of an inpatient and community TBI Rehabilitation Unit. PARTICIPANTS: All consenting patients with TBI admitted to the unit, aged 16 or above. There were 88 patients at 6 and 79 patients at 24 month follow-up. RESULTS: At 6 months follow-up, the FAM and the FIM were roughly equivalent in their ability to predict RTW and CIQ scores. At 24 months, FAM motor was the only significant predictor of CIQ, and FAM cognitive scores displayed an advantage over the FIM in predicting employment status. CONCLUSIONS: The FAM subscales produced only modest gains in prediction of employment status and community integration at 24 months postdischarge. This may reflect ceiling effects on the functional measures, a limited range on the RTW measure, poor ecologic validity of functional disability measures in assessing handicap, or a combination of these factors.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Working mothers and infant care: a review of the literature.

1. The number of women who returned to work after childbirth increased steadily through the 1980s, with many mothers returning to work earlier than ever before. This trend has caused new mothers, their employers, and legislators to examine the issue of infant day care. 2. Infant day care availability, arrangements, and cost influence maternal work force participation. These concerns may also impact on the physical and mental health of the working mother. 3. Further research is needed to determine if and how infant day care concerns affect worker productivity, and to determine how to obtain quality day care at a reasonable cost.

Child Day Care Centers↗

[Medical rehabilitation in long-term disability].

UNLABELLED: Based on data from a prospective observational cohort study the following article attempts to answer two key questions of rehabilitation research in Germany: (1) What are the utilization rates of rehabilitation measures in patients with long-term work-incapacity due to low-back pain? (2) In this group of patients: does participation in rehabilitation programs correlate with return to work? Patients with long-term work-incapacity due to low-back pain report a severely impaired health status (measured by FFbH, SF-36, numeric rating scale for pain intensity) which calls for comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. 40.5% of study patients received first time medical rehabilitation between three months and one year after the beginning of long-term work-incapacity, 20.5% between one year and two years after the beginning of long-term work-incapacity. These figures were not influenced by age. Considering the severity of impairment we judge these rates as being quite low. There was no positive correlation found between utilization of medical rehabilitation measures or any other medical treatment and return to work. A positive correlation was observed for utilization of first time medical rehabilitation between three months to one year after the beginning of long-term work-incapacity and functional capacity. This effect was demonstrable for patients 50 years of age or younger. CONCLUSIONS: (1) In our cohort utilization of medical rehabilitation measures in patients with low-back pain and long-term work-incapacity is quite low. This suggests a considerable amount of underutilization. (2) In order to avoid underutilization the process of accessing medical rehabilitation within the German health care system should be critically reviewed. (3) In the given context of high unemployment rates and the German early pensioning system the use of "return to work" as the main criterion to judge effectiveness of rehabilitation measures remains debatable.

Adult↗

Validation of performance indicators for rehabilitation of workers with mental health problems.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate content validity and predictive validity of 11 performance indicators for the rehabilitation of workers with mental health problems. RESEARCH DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Content validity was assessed by experts who evaluated the validity of the performance indicators in 2 Delphi rounds. Predictive validity was evaluated by relating the performance indicators and their sum score to the outcome of a cohort of 191 employees absent from work as a result of mental health problems. Scores for the performance indicators were obtained by processing registration forms of consultations filled out by occupational physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Three outcome measures were used: time to return to work, change in level of fatigue, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Ten of the 11 performance indicators showed adequate content validity according to the expert panel. The evaluation of predictive validity yielded mixed results. One performance indicator did not show sufficient variability and was excluded from further analysis. The sum score of 9 performance indicators and performance on the evaluation of work disabilities were significantly related to a shorter time to return to work (hazard ratio [HR], respectively, 0.7; confidence interval [CI], 0.7-0.9 and 0.5; CI, 0.2-0.9). Adequate care regarding interventions aimed at providers of care in the curative sector was related to a longer time to return to work (HR, 1.8; CI, 1.1-3.0). The linear regression revealed that the sum score was not significantly related to a change in level of fatigue. However, lower quality of overall care was significantly related to moderately higher patient satisfaction (beta=0.18; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated performance indicators showed sufficient content validity and overall predictive validity, but no clear relation could be established between individual performance indicators and outcome.

Adult↗

Relative cost-effectiveness of extensive and light multidisciplinary treatment programs versus treatment as usual for patients with chronic low back pain on long-term sick leave: randomized controlled study.

STUDY DESIGN: A subgroup of 195 patients with chronic low back pain, being part of a larger study of other musculoskeletal patients, were included in a randomized controlled prospective clinical study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome in terms of return to work and cost-effectiveness of a light multidisciplinary treatment program with an extensive multidisciplinary program and treatment as usual initiated by their general practitioner. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Light multidisciplinary programs seem to reduce sick leave in patients with subacute low back pain. There are few, if any, previous studies of the effectiveness of light versus extensive multidisciplinary treatment on return to work in patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Patients with chronic low back pain (n = 195), on an average sick-listed for 3 months, were included. The patients were randomized to a light multidisciplinary treatment program, an extensive multidisciplinary program, or treatment as usual by their primary physician. Full return to work was used as outcome response, and follow-up was 26 months after the end of treatment. Cost-benefit was calculated for the treatment programs. RESULTS: In men significantly better results for full return to work were found for the light multidisciplinary treatment compared with treatment as usual, but no differences were found between extensive multidisciplinary treatment and treatment as usual. No significant differences between any of the two multidisciplinary treatment programs and the controls were found for women. Productivity gains for the society from light multidisciplinary treatment versus "treatment as usual" of 57 male patients with low back pain would during the first 2 years accumulate to U.S. $852.000. CONCLUSIONS: The light multidisciplinary treatment model is a cost-effective treatment for men with chronic low back pain.

Adult↗

[Factors influencing the duration of breast feeding. A study of 150 women].

BACKGROUND: The duration of breast feeding has not yet been thoroughly described in France. A prospective survey has been performed on 150 breast feeding mothers to determine its duration. The objective of this study was to analyse predicting factors of this duration. METHODS: A questionnaire including sociological, psychological and medical variables was completed by the mothers and fathers. After discharge, the mothers were contacted every month by a physician until the completion of weaning. RESULTS: The median duration was 10 weeks. By univariate analysis, several variables were associated with a longer duration: decision to breast feed before pregnancy (12 weeks vs 9 weeks; P < 0.01), multiparity (17 weeks vs 12 weeks, P < 0.05), high paternal social level (14 weeks vs 9 weeks, P < 0.001), high maternal education level (12 weeks vs 9 weeks; P < 0.05), mother's idea of "bad" milk (9 weeks vs 30 weeks; P < 10(-6), satisfied mothers (11 weeks vs 2 weeks; P < 0.001), motivation to breast feed (P < 0.05), baby and mother in the same room during the night (13 weeks vs 10 weeks; P < 0.05), and formula supplementation (6 weeks vs 13 weeks; P < 0.01). The mother's return to work was related to a decline in the breast feeding rate at 12 weeks, yet working women generally breast fed the most frequently before returning to work, and many women breast fed and worked concomitantly. A Cox multivariate analysis took into account six significant variables: "bad" milk (lower duration), mother who had been fed, mother satisfied with breast feeding, multiparity, high maternal education, closer proximity of baby to mother (longer duration). DISCUSSION: The duration in our study is longer than in other studies in France. Predictive factors are sociological, linked to maternal education, and psychological, with antecedent of mother breast feeding and decision before pregnancy. The role of the mother's occupation was not very important because working women are generally at a higher social level. The role of the father was analysed, as well as the role of professional workers, family and breast feeding women's associations. CONCLUSION: Factors of breast feeding duration can be somewhat modified, but it is necessary to respect the plans of both the mother and the father. However, early assistance in the hospital and after discharge can help parents realize their plans for prolonged breast feeding and helps obviating the cessation of 20% of mothers during the 1st month.

Adult↗

The 11th nerve syndrome in functional neck dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the incidence of shoulder joint disability and evaluation of the role of a personal postoperative physical rehabilitative protocol therapy in reducing pain and shoulder dysfunction and improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients who have undergone functional neck dissection (FND) associated with total laryngectomy. SETTING, DESIGN, AND OUTCOME MEASURES: Sixty laryngectomees who had undergone FND were divided into two groups (A and B). Group A received physical therapy after surgery. Clinical evaluation was done according to the Constant modified questionnaire, including physical assessment of passive and active shoulder movement and information regarding patients' QOL. Bilateral quantitative electromyography (Q-EMG) of scapulohumeral muscles was carried out on all patients. Results were evaluated by Student t test and multivariate analysis to find out which variables were important in predicting pain and return to work. RESULTS: Six months after surgery, the patients in group A had better results concerning passive forward elevation (P = 0), shoulder active motility (P = 0), pain (P <.001), working and recreational activity (P = 0), and score of Constant (P = 0) compared with the patients in group B. From a multivariate analysis of clinical parameters important in predicting pain, significant predictors (P <.01) were shown to be global shoulder active motility, active forward elevation, abduction, active external rotation, internal rotation hand to back, working and recreational activity, and score of Constant. Regarding return to work, a significant predictor (P <.01) was the score of Constant. Electromyography work-up showed deterioration in early postoperative periods and improvements in late postoperative periods. CONCLUSION: The post-surgical variable clinical picture of shoulder disability is related not only to the accessory nerve injury, but also to the secondary glenohumeral stiffness resulting from the scapulohumeral girdle muscles weakness and postoperative forced immobility. Physical therapy aimed to early recover passive motion and to avoid the occurrence of joint fibrosis has been shown to have a real contributory role in decreasing shoulder complaints and improving the patients' QOL.

Accessory Nerve Diseases↗

A prospective audit of Lichtenstein's tension-free herniorrhaphy in Taranaki, New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to assess the outcome of Lichtenstein's tension-free mesh inguinal herniorrhaphy as practised by surgeons in a provincial centre in Taranaki, New Zealand. METHODS: A prospective audit was carried out on all patients who underwent this procedure in Taranaki. They were followed up at 1 month and again at 1 year. Results were entered on a standardized pro forma. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients underwent 134 repairs by four different surgeons and their registrars. Eighty-two per cent of them had a general anaesthetic, and 13% had local anaesthestic. Twenty-five per cent of the repairs were performed as day surgery and a further 53% required overnight stays. Complication rates were 6% in hospital, 12.7% at I month and 8% at 1 year. Recurrence occurred in one repair (0.9%) and there were no cases of mesh rejection. The wound infection rate was 3% and all were minor. Only 45% of the patients who had an inguinal hemiorrhaphy were employed and they took an average of 16 days (range 2-30) to return to work. Over half felt that that they could have returned to normal activities within 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The Lichtenstein technique of inguinal herniorrhaphy is a technically simple, reliable procedure with minimal morbidity and patients may expect a reasonably prompt return to work and to normal activities.

Adolescent↗

Doctors' prediction of certified sickness absence.

BACKGROUND: Doctors' ability to predict the duration of their patients' certified sickness absence is important for follow-up efforts aimed at patients with increased probability of long-term absence. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of doctors' predictions of their patients' sickness absence status 4 weeks ahead, and which factors were associated with it. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was carried out in primary health care concerning 796 patients certified sick within 140 days after the start of absence. The episodes of absence were labelled short-standing (up to 2 weeks) and long-standing (from 3 to 20 weeks), at the time of consultation. The doctors' prediction of the patients' absence status 4 weeks ahead, diagnoses, work ability, clinical information sources used and the presence of non-medical factors that could have influenced the doctors' work ability assessments were collected. The predictions were compared with the patients' absence status 4 weeks later by positive predictive values (PPVs) for the statements 'returned to work' and 'still certified sick'. Factors associated with the accuracy of the predictions were analysed by multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The doctors accurately predicted return to work in 84% [95% confidence interval (CI) 79-87] of the cases in short-standing episodes, and in 53% (43-62) in long-standing episodes. The corresponding PPVs for still certified sick were 72% (62-80) and 91% (85-94). In short-standing episodes, the doctors' probability of making accurate predictions was higher for respiratory disorders [odds ratio (OR) 2.84; 95% CI 1.36-5.90], than for the reference category 'all other disorders', and lower for mental disorders (0.46; 0.24-0.89). In long-standing episodes, the probability was lower for musculoskeletal disorders (0.33; 0.12-0.86) and injuries (0.12; 0.03-0.48). Neither the age nor gender of patients or doctors, nor the degree of work ability reduction, nor other factors were associated with the accuracy of the predictions. CONCLUSIONS: The doctors' predictions were highly accurate for return to work in short-standing episodes, and for still certified sick in long-standing episodes. Diagnoses were associated with the accuracy; other factors, including the doctors' work ability assessments, were not.

Adolescent↗

Endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release: clinical results.

This article reviews the results of endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery. Comparison with a matched population of patients undergoing standard open carpal tunnel release was performed with respect to safety and return to work times. The newer technique was found to be safe because no surgical complications were noted in the study group. Patients undergoing the endoscopic technique with private insurance returned to work 15.6 days sooner than their open counterparts. Patients with workers' compensation claims returned to work at the same time regardless of the technique used.

Adult↗

[Early and long-term results of 233 heart transplant patients in University Bordeaux in France: quality of life following heart transplantations].

Between March 1986 and December 1993 we had 233 heart transplant patients who were 218 males and 15 females and had a mean age of 50.9 years (range, 2 to 65 years). We analyzed the actuarial survival for these patients and investigated the status of rehabilitation and return-to-work from the view point of quality of life after heart transplant. Actuarial survival (Kaplan-Meier) was 81.7% at 1 year, 76.3% at 3 years, and 72.2% at 5 years. In 57 dead patients 24 patients (42%) died in 1 month after heart transplant. In 176 living patients 165 patients (53%) returned to life. In 129 patients except 76 retired patients only 69 patients (53%) returned to work. In 60 patients, who didn't return to work, 38 patients (63%) were physically able to work.

Adolescent↗

Comparison between port-access and less invasive valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Valvular operations have followed coronary artery bypass grafting as procedures that are amenable to a minimally invasive approach. This study is a review of our brief experiences of less invasive valve surgery (LIVS) through a partial sternotomy approach and port-access valve surgery (PAVS) with an attempt to compare safety and cost-effectiveness of the surgical procedure and post-discharge follow-up. METHODS: Forty PAVS and 66 LIVS procedures performed between May 1996 and December 1998 were reviewed. The PAVS patients were younger, included more men, and had greater left ventricular function. Aside from these particular data points, there was no significant difference in preoperative variables between groups. RESULTS: Operating room time, surgery time, and cross-clamp time were significantly longer in the PAVS group. The operative mortality was 3% (LIVS) and 5% (PAVS). There was more new atrial fibrillation in LIVS (26% versus 5%, p = 0.009). Postoperative follow-up revealed 77% of LIVS and 76% of PAVS patients had returned to work and more than 95% of the retired patients in both groups had resumed their daily activities. Importantly, PAVS patients returned to work about 4 weeks sooner than LIVS patients did. CONCLUSIONS: Early clinical outcomes are comparable between the two approaches, which indicates safety and importance of appropriate patient selection. More follow-up is required to assess postoperative pain and cosmetic satisfaction. At the present time, LIVS appears to be more cost-effective. Early return to work in the PAVS group may be the most important finding to further support the port-access approach. However, with practice pattern changes and increased intraoperative efficiencies, each of these two surgical techniques may continue to have an important role in the minimally invasive valve surgery arena.

Adult↗

Cost and determinants of morbidity from work related disabling injuries in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost and determinants of morbidity from work related disabilities. METHODS: 114 people who lived in metropolitan Taipei and who had received disability compensation from the Labor Insurance Bureau from March to June, 1991 were randomly selected. There were 77 workers interviewed through a questionnaire that inquired about possible loss of productivity including the duration of morbidity, the ability to return to work, and any change in monthly income upon returning to work. RESULTS: The mean (SD) duration of a stay in hospital was 29 (39) days, median: 15 days. The average duration between discharge from the hospital and returning to work was 111 (146) days, median: 45 days. The main determinants of the duration of the stay in hospital were the number of stays in hospital and the severity of the injury. A multivariate linear analysis showed that old age and the severity of injury determine the durations of morbidity. An ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of injury, size of the factory, and age determined the magnitude of future productivity loss. Based on these models, it was estimated that the total duration of morbidity (in hospital and at home) due to occupational disability was 660,000 person-days each year. When the percentage of the decrease in income because of permanent disability was converted into a loss of work days, the annual morbidity costs were about 19,000-26,000 person-years between 1985-1990. CONCLUSION: The morbidity cost was about five times as high as the lump sum payment that a worker usually received for disability compensation. We conclude that morbidity cost should be evaluated carefully in the future for the establishment of accurate and fair disability compensation payments.

Accidents, Occupational↗

Physicians' choice for their own hernia repairs.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: While the optimal method of inguinal herniorrhaphy is controversial, there is growing acceptance that laparoscopic hernia repair is a legitimate alternative to conventional techniques. This study sought to determine if physicians as patients had different preferences for their own hernia repairs than nonphysician patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Total endoscopic preperitoneal (TEP) herniorrhaphy was introduced into the author's practice in 1995. Open herniorrhaphies (OH) were performed under local anesthesia and were almost all tension-free repairs. Patients were given the option of surgical technique after a discussion with the author, although patients with primary unilateral hernias were encouraged to undergo a tension-free OH. A prospective database was kept and subsequently analyzed. RESULTS: In the 3 years from June 1, 1995, to June 1, 1998, a total of 138 OH and 77 TEP repairs were performed. There were 19 physicians among the 215 patients. During the 3-year period, the annual percentage of laparoscopic herniorrhaphies increased from 27% (21/79) to 46% (32/70) (P = 0.024). The shift in physician preference for TEP from 16% (1/6) in 1995 to 75% (6/8) in 1997 was more dramatic than the shift in the population at large: 22% (20/73) to 42% (26/62). All patients undergoing TEP repair for recurrent hernias stated their recovery was easier than after their original OH. Four of seven physicians with recurrent hernias also had bilateral hernias. None required hospitalization. The median time to return to work was 4 days in the TEP physician group and 7 days in the physician OH group. The median time to return to work was 10 days in the TEP nonphysician group and 16 days in the OH nonphysician group. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians cared for by the author are increasingly choosing a laparoscopic approach for their hernia repairs even when they have primary unilateral hernias. Patients return to work more rapidly after TEP repairs than after OH.

Hernia, Inguinal↗

Use of simulated work testing in cardiac rehabilitation: a case report.

A significant percentage of patients do not return to work after myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass surgery for nonmedical reasons. These reasons include unwarranted medical restrictions, patient anxiety concerning ability to meet job demands, apprehensive family members, and fearful employers. A case study is presented to illustrate how occupational therapists can enhance a patient's work potential by using skills in activity analysis to develop simulated work evaluations. Satisfactory performance on a test that closely simulates work demands can help the physician, patient, family, and employer gain confidence in the patient's ability to return to work.

Coronary Artery Bypass↗

Working women's breastfeeding experiences.

PURPOSE: To describe the breastfeeding experiences of women who returned to work after childbirth. DESIGN AND METHODS: Descriptive, using questionnaires with 50 women. Content analysis of data obtained from women who responded to open-ended questionnaires at 16 weeks postpartum. Three procedures were used: coding data, categorizing text units, and refining the emerging themes. RESULTS: Four categories emerged from the data:support, attitude, strategic plan, and psychological distress. The women expressed a need for support such as an accepting environment, spatial issues, modeling, and time allowance. They needed to maintain a positive attitude so they could commit to and accomplish their breastfeeding goals. The women developed strategic plans to help prevent breastfeeding problems as well as continue breastfeeding successfully. Finally, they described psychological distress as a conflict between the demands of work and the breastfeeding process. Associated feelings included guilt, stress, or having to sacrifice. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings can help nurses and other healthcare professionals in providing anticipatory guidance to women who plan to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. Further research should investigate the relationship between psychological distress, work productivity, family functioning, and breastfeeding activities of working women who breastfeed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Reducing long term sickness absence by an activating intervention in adjustment disorders: a cluster randomised controlled design.

AIMS: To compare an innovative activating intervention with "care as usual" (control group) for the guidance of employees on sickness leave because of an adjustment disorder. It was hypothesised that the intervention would be more effective than care as usual in lowering the intensity of symptoms, increasing psychological resources, and decreasing sickness leave duration. METHODS: A prospective, cluster randomised controlled trial was carried out with 192 patients on first sickness leave for an adjustment disorder. Symptom intensity, sickness duration, and return to work rates were measured at 3 months and 12 months. Analyses were performed on an intention to treat basis. RESULTS: At 3 months, significantly more patients in the intervention group had returned to work compared with the control group. At 12 months all patients had returned to work, but sickness leave was shorter in the intervention group than in the control group. The recurrence rate was lower in the intervention group. There were no differences between the two study groups with regard to the decrease of symptoms. At baseline, symptom intensity was higher in the patients than in a normal reference population, but decreased over time in a similar manner in both groups to approximately normal levels. CONCLUSION: The experimental intervention for adjustment disorders was successful in shortening sick leave duration, mainly by decreasing long term absenteeism.

Absenteeism↗

Management of occupational back pain: the Sherbrooke model. Results of a pilot and feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to combat occurrence of chronic occupational back pain. METHODS: A multidisciplinary model to manage back pain that includes both clinical and ergonomic approaches has been developed. Early detection, early clinical and ergonomic evaluations, and early active treatment make up the cornerstone of management. Detection of cases starts after four weeks of absence from work. An ergonomic intervention is implemented at six weeks. A medical specialist is involved at eight weeks. If return to work is not possible after 12 weeks, a functional recovery therapy followed by a therapeutic return to work is implemented. A multidisciplinary team decides if return to original or modified work is possible or if vocational rehabilitation is necessary. This model has been implemented by the investigators in the Sherbrooke (Quebec, Canada) area, and is presently being evaluated through a randomised trial in 31 industrial settlements (about 20,000 workers). A cluster randomisation of industries and workers will allow separate testing of ergonomic and clinical interventions. RESULTS: One year after implementation, 31 of 35 of the eligible industrial sites participated in the study and 79 of 88 of the eligible workers affected by recent back pain had agreed to participate. Ergonomic and clinical interventions have been implemented as planned. Only three workers dropped out. Hence this global clinical and ergonomic management programme has been shown to be feasible in a general population. CONCLUSION: A global management programme of back pain joining ergonomic and clinical intervention with a multidisciplinary approach has not been tested yet. Linking these two strategies in a same multidisciplinary team represents a systemic approach to this multifactorial ailment. During the first year of this trial we did not find any conflict between these two interventions from the employer's or worker's point of view.

Adult↗