Nonphysical factors that affect work hardening success: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• High healthcare costs and limited data on work hardening efficacy necessitate further investigation.
• Work hardening programs integrate physical, occupational, and psychological therapies to facilitate return to work.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the success rate of a comprehensive work hardening program.
• To identify nonphysical factors influencing successful work hardening outcomes for injured workers.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 100 medical records of injured workers with low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
• Analysis of factors including injury duration, education, attorney representation, pain behaviors, and psychological scores (McAndrews).

Main Results:

• 76% of subjects completed the work hardening program.
• 50% of subjects returned to work upon program discharge.
• Negative predictors for success included pain behaviors, attorney representation, high McAndrews scores, and lower education levels.

Conclusions:

• The return-to-work rate is comparable to previous studies.
• Nonphysical factors significantly impact the success of work hardening programs for injured workers.