Association between availability of direct access to army occupational therapy with return to duty in active-duty soldiers
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Early occupational therapy (OT) evaluation for upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) in Army Soldiers is linked to reduced healthcare utilization and shorter recovery times. Prompt OT intervention is key for soldier readiness and efficient recovery.
Area Of Science
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background
- Upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) are prevalent among active-duty Army Soldiers, leading to significant lost duty days.
- Direct access to occupational therapy (OT) in civilian settings improves patient satisfaction and reduces surgery rates.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the time from initial evaluation to return to full duty for soldiers with upper extremity MSKI.
- To analyze occupational therapy (OT) utilization patterns in relation to injury evaluation timing.
Main Methods
- A retrospective observational study analyzed electronic health records of 18,206 US active-duty Army soldiers with MSKI and OT evaluation between 2017-2018.
- Generalized estimating equations were used to determine rate ratios for OT healthcare utilization and limited duty profiles based on days to first OT evaluation.
Main Results
- Delayed OT evaluation (1-7 days or more) correlated with significantly increased rates of OT utilization compared to same-day evaluations.
- Similar trends were observed for limited duty profiles, indicating longer recovery times with delayed intervention.
- The study population comprised soldiers averaging 32.0 years old, predominantly senior enlisted, white, male, with 10.0 years of service, and high school education or less.
Conclusions
- A longer interval between UE MSKI diagnosis and OT evaluation is associated with higher OT utilization and extended periods on limited duty.
- These findings suggest that early occupational therapy intervention can potentially decrease recovery duration and healthcare resource utilization for soldiers.
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