Effects of presenteeism in chronic occupational musculoskeletal disorders: stay at work is validated.
OBJECTIVE
The present study takes a new approach to understanding how presenteeism relates to chronic pain or disability patient outcomes.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 2191 consecutive chronic disabling musculoskeletal disorder patients, classified as either presentees (N = 704), or absentees (N = 1487), who were admitted to a functional restoration program. The measures included medical evaluations, demographic data, psychiatric diagnoses at admission, an 1 year follow-up socioeconomic outcome assessment and validated questionnaires evaluating pain, depression, and function.


RESULTS
The findings revealed that patients classified as presentees were significantly more likely to complete the prescribed functional restoration treatment program, to return to work (full-duty or full-time), to retain work 1-year posttreatment, and not to have a decrease in job demand from preinjury to posttreatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Both employees and employers will benefit if the ill or injured employee stays at work postinjury in lieu of short- or long-term disability.
PRIDE Research Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA.
Krista J
KJ
Howard
Tom G
TG
Mayer
Robert J
RJ
Gatchel
D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010558:Personnel Loyalty; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology