Article

A delayed return to work (RTW) is often associated with poorer outcomes after a workplace injury but is ill
defined. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To define delayed RTW after surgery for
nontraumatic upper extremity conditions. METHODS: Experts were consulted to
define delayed RTW and whether a universal time point can determine the
transition from early to delayed RTW. RESULTS: Forty-two experts defined a
delayed RTW as either a worker not returning to preinjury (or similar) work
within the expected time frame (45%); not returning to any type of work (36%); or
recovering slower than expected (12%). Two-thirds of experts believed that
universal time points to delineate delayed RTW should be avoided. DISCUSSION:
Multiple factors complicate a uniform definition of delayed RTW. CONCLUSION:
Defining delayed RTW should be individualized with due consideration to the type
of work. Time-based cutoffs for outcome measurement may not be appropriate with
continuous measures more appropriate in research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Decision
analysis V.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS