Effectiveness of occupational medicine center-based physical therapy.
A 1-year study was performed to evaluate discharge from therapy and return-to-work outcomes from rehabilitation services offered at four occupational medicine centers for work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The mean number of visits before discharge from therapy for 699 patients was 45% less than a national benchmark (mean visit number, 5.7 +/- 4.2 vs 10.5 +/- 9.1; P < 0.001). Return-to-work outcomes at discharge from therapy showed that 94% had returned-to-work. A telephonic satisfaction survey failed to identify client complaints associated with therapy. Assuming that reduced visit numbers would be reflected in a proportionate decrease in lost workdays, the program saved employers approximately $1.4 million, or $2000 per client. The authors attribute the improved outcomes to early therapy using active rather than passive techniques and an emphasis on patient education and home exercise programs.
Linz
Douglas H
DH
TriHealth Corporate Health Services, 11129 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA. douglas_linz@trihealth.com
Shepherd
Craig D
CD
Ford
Linda F
LF
Ringley
Lori L
LL
Klekamp
Joel
J
Duncan
Janice M
JM
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009820:Ohio; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000191:economics*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016896:Treatment Outcome