Does participation in interdisciplinary work rehabilitation programme influence return to work obstacles and predictive factors?

Musculoskeletal disorders evolve into long-term work disabilities in--10% of work-injury cases. From a prevention perspective, screening for predictive factors and obstacles associated with long-term work disability appear to offer a promising avenue for work rehabilitation. However, knowledge of the factors at play during the chronic phase remains limited. This study aims to explore the presence of a relationship between the predictive factors and obstacles identified at the time of admission to an interdisciplinary work rehabilitation programme and return to work upon completion of the programme, in individuals with a long-term work disability.

A descriptive correlational study involving 222 individuals assessed using the Work Disability Diagnostic Interview and who participated in the PREVICAP work rehabilitation programme.

The general model accurately predicts the work status of 77% of the participants. Seven to nine factors were found to be associated with return to work in each model produced (3). Those factors were mainly psychosocial and work-related in nature and differ according to gender. Unexpectedly, certain obstacles observed at the time of admission to the programme appear to have a protective effect and thus promote participants' return to work.

The results obtained support the hypothesis that screening for predictive factors and obstacles at the time of admission of a work rehabilitation programme for individuals with a long-term work disability allows for more effective intervention regarding these factors, and in all likelihood, promotes return to work.