Issue:
International research has generated strong evidence that health care providers (HCPs) have an important role in the return to work (RTW) process. This research also suggests that HCPs can struggle managing return to work (RTW) consultations. Pressure on consultation time, administrative challenges and limited knowledge about a patient’s workplace can thwart active engagement. This two year study will focus on HCPs’ experience within the workers’ compensation system and how their role in the RTW process can be enhanced.
Objectives:
• To identify programs, guidelines, forms and policies developed by workers’ compensation boards designed to facilitate HCPs’ engagement in the RTW process.
• To examine the development, benefits and challenges of various approaches used to facilitate HCP engagement in the RTW process through a series of interviews with senior policy makers.
• To understand the perceived role of HCPs in the RTW process including the challenges they face related to interacting with the WCB, injured workers, employers, and other HCPs.
Anticipated Results:
The results of this study will be relevant to healthcare providers, disability prevention policymakers, case managers, and RTW coordinators. The findings will help identify policies and practices that facilitate healthcare provider involvement in RTW. Partners in this project include workers’ compensation boards in Ontario, Newfoundland, Manitoba and British Columbia.
Investigators:
Agnieszka Kosny, Dorcas Beaton, Andrea Furlan, Ellen MacEachen, J Cooper, M Koehoorn, B Neis
