title: Evaluation of an occupational rehabilitation program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to report the findings of a program evaluation for an occupational rehabilitation program in the Midwest.
  
  
  METHODS
  An ex-post facto chart review was performed on 50 charts using demographic data, results from tests of performance and pain measures, and data from patient satisfaction questionnaires to find evidence of excellence in the program, and to identify areas for improvement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 97% of the participants actually completed the program and 76% returned to work within 3 months after program completion. Ninety-two percent indicated overall satisfaction with the program, and all aspects of the program were rated with a mean score of 4.25 or above on a 1 to 5 Likert scale. Evaluation of perceived pain scales of the participants indicate no discernable relationship between intensity of pain and successful return to work.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The program showed a high completion rate, a high return to work rate, and high levels of patient satisfaction. Suggestions for improvement include an increase in use of real and simulated work activities, better documentation of pain measures, better programs to address psychosocial issues, lengthening the program, and increased communication with case managers and professionals outside of the work program.
authors.affiliation: Health Sciences Department, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA. g.goodman@csuohio.edu
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Browning
authors.forename: Sims
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Huison
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hudak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000379:methods*; D014922:Wisconsin