Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Canada | Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences,
University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Bonnie Kirsh, Department of
Occupational Therapy, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences,
University of Toronto, 500 University Ave., 9th floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7,
Canada. Tel.: +1 416 978 4647; Fax: +1 416 946 8570; E-mail:
bonnie.kirsh@utoronto.ca
Abstract: This paper reports on the findings of a participatory research study
in which 290 injured workers in Ontario, Canada responded to a survey that was
developed and administered by a group of university researchers in partnership
with injured worker peer researchers. The objectives of the study were to gain
a broad view of the needs and experiences of injured workers and to develop
strategies for change. Findings indicated that many injured workers experience
undue financial, emotional and physical hardship during the compensation,
treatment and rehabilitation process. These hardships are experienced due to
perceived lack of respect, insufficient information concerning rights and the
return-to-work process, and limited opportunities for input into the medical or
rehabilitation process. Recommendations for increasing the power of workers and
creating a more supportive climate are included.
