Affiliations: Department of Community Health Sciences, Université
de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada | PREVICAP Occupational Rehabilitation Centre, Charles
Lemoyne Hospital, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada | Department of Surgery (Division of Orthopedics),
Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada | Department of Organization and Human Resources, School
of Management Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM),
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Marie-José Durand, PREVICAP
Occupational Rehabilitation Centre, 1111 St-Charles Street West, Suite 101,
Longueuil, Quebec, Canada J4K 5G4. Tel.: +1 450 674 5908; Fax: +1 450 674 5237;
E-mail: marie-jose.durand@usherbrooke.ca
Abstract: Purpose: Several low back pain work rehabilitation programs have
been developed and evaluated for their outcomes. Unfortunately, the program
impact theory for these programs is not described, and consequently, the exact
mechanisms of action by which these programs intend to increase the probability
of return to work remain unknown. This lack of knowledge jeopardizes the
implementation of effective programs by health professionals and managers. The
objective of this paper is to present the results of an exploratory study aimed
at building the program impact theory for the PREVICAP work rehabilitation
program. Methods: The program impact theory was develop by conducting:
unpublished documents and scientific literature analyses, individual and group
discussions with multiple stakeholders and observation of program reality by
reviewing the files of workers who completed the program. Results: The PREVICAP program's impact theory was elaborated based
on an ecological approach to work rehabilitation. Program goals and objectives
were defined for the three dimensions of the model: the worker, the work
environment and the interaction between the worker and his work environment.
Two program action mechanisms were defined and describe how the program was
intended to achieve its expected outcomes. Conclusions: This study made explicit the PREVICAP program impact
theory and can help rehabilitation practitioners to address work disability
according to an ecological model.
Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, program evaluation, evidence-based practice, occupational rehabilitation
