Entry into vocational rehabilitation program following work-related hand injury: Potential candidates

Objectives This case-control study aimed to investigate the predictors of return to work (RTW) following work-related major forearm, wrist or hand injury at the preparation stage of return to work. Material and Methods A total of 80 clients were recruited and divided into 2 groups depending on their readiness of RTW. The groups were compared with each other with regard to their demographics, compensation status, hand injury severity, health perception, and time off work (TOW) using correlation coefficient. Predictors of RTW were measured by logistic regression analysis. Results There were no significant differences in demographics and the severity of hand injury between 2 groups. Self-perceived physical functioning (p = 0.04), vitality (p = 0.01), mental health (p = 0.03) and TOW (p = 0.001) were significantly different between Action group and Preparation group. With binary logistic regression analysis, self-perceived vitality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.041) and TOW (OR = 0.996) were shown to be strongly predictive of RTW at the preparation stage of return to work. Conclusions This study has shown that shorter TOW and better self-perceived vitality could predict early readiness for RTW after major work-related forearm, wrist or hand injury

Entry into vocational rehabilitation program following work-related hand injury: Potential candidates

Objectives This case-control study aimed to investigate the predictors of return to work (RTW) following work-related major forearm, wrist or hand injury at the preparation stage of return to work. Material and Methods A total of 80 clients were recruited and divided into 2 groups depending on their readiness of RTW. The groups were compared with each other with regard to their demographics, compensation status, hand injury severity, health perception, and time off work (TOW) using correlation coefficient. Predictors of RTW were measured by logistic regression analysis. Results There were no significant differences in demographics and the severity of hand injury between 2 groups. Self-perceived physical functioning (p = 0.04), vitality (p = 0.01), mental health (p = 0.03) and TOW (p = 0.001) were significantly different between Action group and Preparation group. With binary logistic regression analysis, self-perceived vitality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.041) and TOW (OR = 0.996) were shown to be strongly predictive of RTW at the preparation stage of return to work. Conclusions This study has shown that shorter TOW and better self-perceived vitality could predict early readiness for RTW after major work-related forearm, wrist or hand injury

Functional outcomes and quality of life after a 6-month early intervention program for oral cancer survivors: a single-arm clinical trial

Background Advanced treatment of oral cancer increases survival rates; however, it also increases the risk of developing shoulder dysfunction, dysphagia, oral dysfunction, donor site morbidity and psychological issues. This single-arm preliminary pilot study aims to explore the effects of a six-month early intervention program following reconstructive surgery in oral cancer survivors. Methods A total of 65 participants were analyzed following reconstructive surgery. Outcome measurements were taken during the first visit, and at one, three and six months after reconstructive surgery. Results Scapular muscle strength and shoulder range of motion progressively improved during the 6-month follow-up. The mean Disability of the Arms, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score showed significant improvement at 1 month (p < .001). Health related QoL showed significant differences between baseline and 6-months post-surgery scores on global health and on most of the function and symptom scales. The predicted return-to-work rate was 80% at one year after the operation. Return-to-work rate differs in different vocational types, with a higher rate of return in the skilled or semi-skilled (87.5%) and self-employed (86.7%). Conclusions We suggest that early integrated intervention program with a follow-up of at least six months following reconstructive surgery may help develop and identify intervention guidelines and goals in the initial six months of treatment following neck dissection in oral cancer survivors