A systematic review of the development of work rehabilitation in Mainland China.
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review was conducted on the literature regarding the development of work rehabilitation in Mainland China.


METHODS
Two databases, one in Chinese and one in English, were used for searching reports published between 1994 and 2004 on work rehabilitation services provided in medical institutions to patients with disability associated with various types of injuries.


RESULTS
A total of 66 papers were identified, and only 14 studies matched the inclusion criteria for this review. There was strong evidence that work rehabilitation services provided in the medical institutions for disability were underdeveloped in Mainland China; and misunderstandings of work rehabilitation were widespread.


CONCLUSIONS
Work rehabilitation is still a fairly new concept in Mainland China. The importance of work rehabilitation is not considered/realized in medical institutions during the process of medical treatment and rehabilitation. Further studies on work rehabilitation provided in medical institutions should be conducted to develop appropriate local technologies and services for the patients.
Xu
Yanwen
Y
The Guangdong Provincial Work Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Guangzhou, China. xudeng2@163.com
Tang
Dan
D
D002681:China; D006801:Humans; D016730:Program Development; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational