Assessment of upper extremity-injured persons' return to work potential

Therapists specializing in the rehabilitation of persons with upper extremity disorders--hand therapists--have developed an evaluation procedure to determine if and when an injured worker has the physical capacity to safely return to work. The Return to Work Evaluation has five components: (1) physical evaluation, (2) subjective effects of injury interview, (3) biomechanical job analysis, (4) work stimulation, (5) reevaluation. The therapist designs a work simulation based on the identification of the critical physical demand characteristics of the patient's work. After documenting the patient's response to the work simulation, the therapist formulates recommendations to the physician with regard to the patient's ability to safely return to the workplace. These recommendations may include the need for job/worker modifications or the need for a reconditioning program. The implementation of the Return to Work Evaluation has decreased the physician's liability in return-to-work decisions and has allowed injured workers to maintain optimal function after medical treatment.