Article

Workers' compensation-based vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs are
costly and challenging to operate effectively. This study aimed to: (1) describe
injured workers' assessment of Washington State's VR system before and after
vocational retraining, (2) describe the factors affecting injured worker
satisfaction with VR services, and (3) gather suggestions for program improvement
from injured workers. METHODS: Telephone surveys were conducted in two distinct
samples: (1) 361 workers were interviewed after determination of retraining
eligibility but before retraining plan development, and (2) 360 workers were
interviewed after cessation of vocational services and claim closure. RESULTS:
Injured workers interviewed before retraining were more often satisfied with the
VR system (69 %) than were those interviewed after VR services ended (46 %).
Although 55 % were initially somewhat/very certain they would return to work
(RTW) after retraining, only 21 % had RTW 3-6 months after claim closure. Poor
health, poor functional ability, and multiple retraining attempts were
significantly associated with dissatisfaction. Suggestions for program
improvement fell most frequently into the following areas: (1) more training
choices, more worker input into the retraining goal, and/or a better fit of the
retraining goal with the workers' experience and abilities (25 %); (2) listen to,
respect, and/or understand the worker with regard to their interests, goals, and
limitations (17 %); and (3) more support with job placement, work re-entry
skills, and RTW in general (9 %). CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial room for
improvement in worker satisfaction with VR. Injured workers' feedback may
facilitate identification of opportunities to improve the VR process and RTW
outcomes.

Langue : ANGLAIS