Features of occupational rehabilitation systems in Australia: A map through the maze

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Harrison, Kate | Allen, Shelley

Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. Tel.: +61 7 3394 4073; E-mail: kate.harrison@optusnet.com.au

Note: [] Corresponding author

Abstract: This review contributes to the limited literature on systems of occupational rehabilitation in Australia. Occupational rehabilitation is defined and features of occupational rehabilitation systems within the workers' compensation framework are described. Common features include: (a) the trend to workplace management, (b) preferred rehabilitation program settings and (c) widespread acceptance of some identified principles of occupational rehabilitation. Other features such as roles of stakeholders and participants, relationship of rehabilitation providers and employers, and the services provided have a number of variations in the Australian systems. Similarities and differences between features of Australian and North American systems are noted. Implications for occupational rehabilitation providers are discussed, and recommendations for practice and future research are made.

Keywords: work-related injuries, case manager, rehabilitation coordinator, rehabilitation professional, workplace-based rehabilitation

Journal: Work, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 141-152, 2003