Outcomes after injury: a comparison of workplace and nonworkplace injury.
BACKGROUND
Factors affecting recovery from injury are investigated comparing male emergency department patients involved in work-related and non-work-related accidents.


METHODS
This was a prospective cohort study of 154 injured employed male emergency department patients recording demographic and accident details, return to work information, and involvement in litigation. Standardized questionnaires measured psychological, physical, and social responses. Evaluations were at admission, and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 18 months after injury.


RESULTS
Work-related injuries were less severe than non-work-related injuries (p = 0.006), and more patients became involved in litigation (p = 0.02) and suffered symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (p = 0.04). Psychosocial symptoms increased with nonreturn to work (p < 0.05). Factors predicting return to work include injury severity, blaming others, involvement in litigation, and subsequent physical and social functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients injured at work are more likely to commence litigation and develop symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder. Nonreturn to work is associated with higher psychosocial morbidity. Return to work is predicted from event and recovery period variables.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom. suzanne.mason@lineone.net
Suzanne
S
Mason
Jim
J
Wardrope
Graham
G
Turpin
Alison
A
Rowlands
D000041:Absenteeism; D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014942:Workers' Compensation; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy