Work hardening: Outdated fad or effective intervention?
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this outcome measurement study was to determine the effectiveness of a work hardening program as measured by the participants' work status at three months after program completion. Predictors of successful return to work were explored. STUDY DESIGN: The sequential case series design was employed, and data were gathered at three points: the initial work hardening assessment, the discharge assessment, and three months post-discharge from the work hardening program. Seventy-nine participants were included. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent (82%) of the clients who completed a work hardening program reported that they were working in some capacity three months after program completion. They listed their employment status in 5 sub-categories. Significant predictors of employment included "single" marital status, lower perceived disability scores at program entry, reduction in reported pain during program duration, and funding source. CONCLUSION: Work hardening remains an effective treatment strategy which promotes successful return to the workplace. Ongoing analyses of these programs is imperative.
Johnson
Leslie Stratton
LS
PAR (Prevention Assessment and Rehabilitation) Health Services, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Archer-Heese
Gail
G
Caron-Powles
Deanne L.
DL
Dowson
Tracey M.
TM