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Predictors of returning to work
1Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
The Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Depression significantly hinders physically injured workers from returning to work, even with vocational rehabilitation. Addressing depression is crucial for successful employment outcomes in workers' compensation cases.
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation science
Background:
- Workers' compensation and vocational rehabilitation programs aim to facilitate return to work for physically injured individuals.
- Identifying predictors of successful return to work is essential for optimizing rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate predictors of returning to work in physically injured individuals receiving workers' compensation and vocational rehabilitation.
- To determine the role of depression and other variables in return-to-work outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 114 physically injured subjects (86 back injury, 28 other) undergoing vocational rehabilitation were assessed.
- Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify predictors of return to work.
- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was a key measure of depressive symptoms.
Main Results:
- Moderate to severe depression (BDI score > 16) was a significant predictor of failure to return to work (OR = 31 for back-injured patients).
- BDI scores accurately classified return-to-work status for 84% of back-injured and 86% of other-injured groups.
- Workers' compensation benefit level marginally improved the predictive power of the BDI.
Conclusions:
- Depressive symptoms are a strong predictor of return to work in physically injured individuals not deemed permanently disabled.
- Treatment of depression is a critical component of vocational rehabilitation for injured workers.
- Caution is advised when using the Beck Depression Inventory in forensic settings due to potential response bias.