title: Work hardening: Outdated fad or effective intervention?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: PAR (Prevention Assessment and Rehabilitation) Health Services, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
authors.forename: Leslie Stratton
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Archer-Heese
authors.forename: Deanne L.
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Caron-Powles
authors.forename: Tracey M.
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Dowson