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Return to work after a serious hand injury.
Eva Ramel1, Hans-Eric Rosberg, Lars B Dahlin
1Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Division of Occupational Therapy and Gerontology, Sweden.
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|August 29, 2012
Summary
Return to work after serious hand injury depends more on individual factors like motivation and perceived disability than injury severity. These insights aid in developing targeted rehabilitation strategies for better work reintegration.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Serious hand injuries significantly impact an individual's ability to return to work (RTW).
- Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing RTW is crucial for effective rehabilitation and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors critical for successful return to work (RTW) in individuals with severe hand injuries.
- To differentiate between individuals who returned to work and those who did not within twelve months post-injury.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 40 adults (aged 19-64) with severe or major hand injuries were studied.
- A comprehensive questionnaire assessing demographics, function, disability, daily occupations, health, quality of life, and sense of coherence was administered twelve months post-injury.
- Open-ended questions specifically addressed return to work (RTW) motivations and barriers.
Main Results:
- Twenty-seven participants (67.5%) returned to work within twelve months; 13 did not.
- Key differences identified: the non-RTW group reported higher perceived disability, reduced hand function, lower quality of life, and a lower sense of coherence.
- Factors influencing RTW were categorized into individual attributes and work environment/rehabilitation elements.
Conclusions:
- Return to work (RTW) appears more influenced by personal factors such as perceived disability and motivation than by the objective severity of the hand injury.
- Findings suggest tailored interventions focusing on individual psychological and functional status are vital for enhancing RTW outcomes.
- Further research is recommended to refine interventions for optimizing RTW post-hand injury.
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