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Patients with burns are successful in work hardening programs
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|March 1, 1993
Summary
The Work Hardening Program at Tampa General Hospital successfully helps burn injury patients return to work. Early referral and specialized rehabilitation lead to a 91% return-to-work rate, significantly higher than the general population.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Burn Injury Management
Background:
- The W.O.R.K. Center at Tampa General Hospital is CARF-accredited for work hardening.
- The center specializes in assisting injured workers with return-to-work programs.
- Burn injury patients from the Tampa Bay Regional Burn Center are a key diagnostic group.
Observation:
- Eleven burn injury patients with an average 20.7% total body surface area were admitted to the Work Hardening Program.
- The program focuses on structured, goal-oriented rehabilitation.
- Early referral and specialized treatment are emphasized for burn patients.
Findings:
- Ninety-one percent of burn injury patients returned to work post-program.
- This return-to-work rate significantly exceeds the facility's overall 60% rate for work hardening.
- The program demonstrates high efficacy for the burn injury population.
Implications:
- Early referral and tailored rehabilitation are critical for successful return-to-work in burn survivors.
- Work hardening programs can be highly effective for specialized patient populations.
- This model may inform best practices for occupational rehabilitation of burn patients.