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Intervention in work-related disability: the need for an integrated approach
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Current US work-related disability policies, focusing on medical impairment, are flawed. A shift to a socioeconomic model recognizing economic factors and promoting rehabilitation is recommended for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Socioeconomics
- Disability Policy
Background:
- Current US work-related disability policies rely on a medical model.
- Physician evaluations of health impairment are central to disability determinations.
- This medical model is increasingly challenged by litigation and long-term disability cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the current US approach to work-related disability.
- To identify flaws in the existing medical model for disability assessment.
- To propose a shift towards a socioeconomic framework.
Main Methods:
- Policy analysis of the Social Security Disability Administration and Workers' Compensation systems.
- Review of litigation trends and long-term disability experiences.
- Conceptual framework development for a socioeconomic approach.
Main Results:
- Existing policies, rooted in a medical model, inadequately address work-related disability.
- Work-related disability is significantly influenced by socioeconomic and economic factors.
- Current systems fail to recognize the interplay between personal health and economic realities.
Conclusions:
- A paradigm shift from a medical to a socioeconomic frame of reference is necessary.
- Policies should incorporate regional economic variations and promote return-to-work programs.
- Further research into the social and cultural correlates of disability is essential.