Article

Workers' own expectations for return to work consistently predict work
status. To advance the understanding of the relationship between RTW expectations
and outcomes, we reviewed existing measures to determine those which we felt were
the most likely to capture the construct. METHOD: A comprehensive search of the
work-disability rehabilitation literature was undertaken.
The review of the
measures was conducted in three steps: first, a review of terminology; second, an
examination of whether a time reference was included; third, an evaluation of
ease of comprehension, and applicability across contexts. RESULTS: A total of 42
different measures were identified. One of the most striking findings was the
inconsistency in terminology. Measures were also limited by not including a time
reference. Problems were also identified with regards to ease of understanding,
utility of response options, and applicability in a wide variety of research and
applied settings. CONCLUSIONS: Most previously used measures contain elements
that potentially limit utility. However, it would seem that further development
can overcome these, resulting in a tool that provides risk prediction
information, and an opportunity to start a conversation to help identify problems
that might negatively impact a worker's movement through the RTW process and the
outcomes achieved. Implications for Rehabilitation Return to work is an integral
part of workplace injury management. The capture of RTW expectations affords a
way to identify the potential for less than optimal RTW processes and outcomes. A
mismatch between an injured worker's expectations and what other stakeholders
might expect suggests that efforts could be made to determine what is causing the
injured worker's concerns. Once underling issues are identified, work can be put
into resolving these so that the worker's return to the workplace is not impeded.

Langue : ANGLAIS