Affiliations: Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Sydney Medical School,
University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia | School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
Note: [] Corresponding author: Petrina P. Casey, Rehabilitation Studies
Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, PO.
Box. 1125, Rozelle, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Tel.: +61 411 151 425; E-mail:
pcas0573@uni.sydney.edu.au
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Australian workers' compensation data reports a
reduction in injury rates and claim incidence but no improvement in Return to
Work (RTW) rates. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with a positive RTW
outcome and describe those referred to Workplace Rehabilitation Providers
(WRPs) in the New South Wales (NSW) Australian workers' compensation scheme.
METHODS: A retrospective review of 65,762 de-identified WRP case
records over a 5 year period. 9,262 cases specifically referred for RTW
assistance were analysed to identify factors associated with a positive RTW
outcome RESULTS: Overall 47% of those referred for RTW services were able to
upgrade their work status whilst 30% maintained their Stay at Work or
pre-referral work status. The significant independent predictors associated
with a positive RTW outcome were a shorter duration of disability (p< 0.001)
(0R, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.964–0.977) and a higher socio economic index score
(p=0.002) (OR, 1.131; 95% CI, 1.045–1.223). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that WRPs are seeing an increased
focus on management of workers with increasing disability, with socio-economic
disadvantage, increasing age, from blue collar backgrounds. The duration of
disability is a significant determinant in achieving positive RTW outcomes
suggesting that injured workers should be referred earlier for RTW
services.
