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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2024: 1.7
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal's subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
WORK occasionally publishes thematic issues, but in general, issues cover a wide range of topics such as ergonomic considerations with children, youth and students, the challenges facing an aging workforce, workplace violence, injury management, performing artists, ergonomic product evaluations, and the awareness of the political, cultural, and environmental determinants of health related to work.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, the founding editor, and her editorial board especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice, case study reports, as well as personal narratives and critical reflections of lived work experiences (autoethnographic/autobiographic scholarship),
Sounding Board commentaries and
Speaking of Research articles which provide the foundation for better understanding research to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
Narrative Reflections on Occupational Transitions, a new column, is for persons who have successfully transitioned into, between, or out of occupations to tell their stories in a narrative form. With an internationally renowned editorial board,
WORK maintains high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts. All manuscripts are reviewed expeditiously and published in a timely manner.
WORK prides itself on being an author-friendly journal.
WORK celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015.
*WORK is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)* *WORK is endorsed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)* *WORK gives out the yearly Cheryl Bennett Best Paper Award*
Abstract: Fitness for Duty (FFD) related to physiological or physical conditions of workers is a rather familiar concept to professionals practicing in the field of Occupational Health. Behavioral/Mental/Psychological FFD of workers, another important element of individual-to-work fitness, is now beginning to receive more attention. The paper defines psychological FFD, emphasizing the differences between ``fitness'' and ``readiness'' for duty. This is followed by a discussion of the indications and benefits of evaluating employees' psychological…FFD and a description of the three-step evaluation process developed by the author.
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Abstract: Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) have become the standard for identifying an individual's physical abilities and/or limitations following injury or illness. While philosophies and approaches differ, the focus of most FCE systems is to identify the individual's maximum capabilities. This article will discuss the usefulness of the FCE information and how FCEs are impacted by multiple factors including APTA guidelines, machine based testing, therapist expertise, medical legal credibility and court testimony, IMEs and FCE, and…return to work/return to function.
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Abstract: Functional capacity evaluation (FCE), as an objective resource for disability managers, is an invaluable tool in the return to work process. Effective communication of expectations between the employee, employer, medical providers, disability management team, and the FCE provider contributes to enhancing the benefits of the FCE to all participants. Careful review of the results of the FCE as compared to the employee's other pertinent medical/functional information provides clarity for that person's rehabilitation…goals and RTW potential. Finally, future opportunities and proactive uses for the FCE are shared.
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Abstract: Points of view of the assessment and treatment of chronic work-related disorders in a Dutch university rehabilitation setting are described. After a general introduction in which the basic philosophy is outlined, medical issues as well as issues regarding two treatment programs and the evaluation of functional capacity are described. The article ends with a brief description of current and future research programs.
Keywords: non-specific chronic pain, occupational rehabilitation, functional capacity evaluation, chronic low back pain, disability, functional restoration, return to work
Abstract: This paper reviews the current status of functional capacity evaluations in the assessment of workers with low back pain. Conceptual and practical difficulties are discussed and a new model that we call Work Capacity Evaluation (WCE) is proposed. Specific reference is made to the role of the medical practitioner in the process of injury management.
Abstract: {\it Objective.} To demonstrate how outcomes assessment can assist in describing clients receiving rehabilitation in occupational health rehabilitation clinics and to describe the preliminary assessment of internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the FOTO Industrial Outcomes Tool. {\it Methods.} 266 adults referred for acute work rehabilitation (AWR), work conditioning/hardening (WC/WH) or a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) comprised the data set. Clients were treated between July 1998 and January 1999 in…15 clinics from 6 states by 46 clinicians participating in the Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes (FOTO) national rehabilitation database beta test. For AWR and WC/WH, clients completed a health status questionnaire on intake and discharge, and health status was assessed prior to the FCE. Comprehensive demographic data were collected describing the clinics, clinicians, clients and work status collected 2 weeks following discharge. {\it Results.} Internal consistency reliability coefficients for the health status scores ranged from 0.57 to 0.89. Construct validity was supported. {\it Conclusion.} Results demonstrate the power of collecting outcomes from a variety of constructs for clients receiving industrial rehabilitation services. Initial reliability and construct validity findings were adequate and support continuing data analyses.
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Keywords: health status, outcomes research, health-related quality of life, functional abilities, functional capacity evaluations, work conditioning, work hardening, return to work, acute work rehabilitation
Abstract: This article presents an overview of the qualitative research methods that social scientists use to explore human phenomena. The authors describe the philosophical and historical foundations of qualitative research, coupled with illustrations of specific qualitative designs. Applications of qualitative methods in the contemporary rehabilitation literature are also presented.
Keywords: research methods, qualitative research, rehabilitation
