Management of work disability. Resources for vocational rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To review the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (SF-VR) system and its utilization by persons with rheumatic conditions.


METHODS
SF-VR system instruction manuals, and literature on rheumatology rehabilitation, work disability, and rehabilitation counseling were reviewed. National and Massachusetts state SF-VR system data on persons with "arthritis and rheumatism" were analyzed.


RESULTS
The SF-VR system is used by a small proportion of persons with rheumatic diseases. Fifty-two percent of clients with arthritis are employed after receiving services.


CONCLUSIONS
Although evidence indicates that VR services for persons with rheumatic conditions improves their chances for reemployment, the SF-VR system is underutilized.
Allaire
S H
SH
Multipurpose Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts.
Partridge
A J
AJ
Andrews
H F
HF
Liang
M H
MH
D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014830:Vocational Guidance