Occupational rehabilitation in twenty-first century Asia Pacific: facilitating health and work: an introduction

Asia Pacific has more than 20 countries which are different in terms of size, population, gross domestic product (GDP), and technological development. This paper highlights certain common obstacles faced by the workers' compensation and occupational rehabilitation systems in the region.

A review was conducted of the 9 papers contained in this supplementary issue of the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. Important items discussed in each paper were extracted and collated. The suggestions for the way forward are also summarized.

In general, there is an obvious mismatch between the current theoretical and service models in occupational rehabilitation and the provision of the workers' compensation systems in the majority of Asia Pacific countries. Legislation and policy awareness of stakeholders, and coordination and synergy of services, in addition to competence building of professionals, were the common obstacles identified.

The Asia Pacific countries could fill the policy-and-service gaps by using available knowledge on occupational rehabilitation and return to work. Any effective model and services should be culturally relevant to be responsive to healthcare services, employers and the health and work needs of injured workers in Asia Pacific countries.