Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J75430

Journal:


Journal of Burn Care And Research (formerly Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 38, 1, e70-e78

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study evaluated the work-related outcomes of interventions aimed at returning injured workers to employment within 90 days of their insurance claims. The interventions include patient/family education focused on recovery rather than disability, employer contact and education by the vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor, physician recommendations for work accommodations, provision of employee status letters, and Activity Prescription Forms (APFs). The medical records of 338 adults with occupation-related burn injuries and receiving care at a single regional burn center from June 2010 to July 2015 were reviewed. Data on patient and injury characteristics and outpatient VR services provided were collected. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of patients who return to work (RTW). The VR counselor evaluated all patients. All patients received an employer letter(s) and APF documentation. Workplace accommodations were provided to more than 30 percent of patients. The RTW rate was 93 percent, with an average of 24 days from injury to RTW. In an intervention bundle involving the patient, employer, Workers’ compensation, and the burn clinic staff, injured workers achieved a high rate of RTW. Although the authors could not correlate individual bundle components to outcome, they postulate that the combination of employer/employee/insurer engagement and flexibility contributed to the success of this program.

Author(s):


Carrougher, Gretchen J., Brych, Sabina B., Pham, Tam N., Mandell, Samuel P., Gibran, Nicole S.

Participating Centers: