title: The effect of recalled previous work environment on return to work after a rehabilitation program including vocational aspects for trauma patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the present study was to assess the association between remembered previous work place environment and return to work (RTW) after hospitalisation in a rehabilitation hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort of 291 orthopedic trauma patients discharged from hospital between 15 December 2004 and 31 December 2005 was included in a study addressing quality of life and work-related questions. Remembered previous work environment was measured by Karasek's 31-item Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), given to the patients during hospitalisation. Post-hospitalisation work status was assessed 3 months, 1, and 2 years after discharge, using a questionnaire sent to the ex-patients. Logistic regression models were used to test the role of four JCQ variables on RTW at each time point while controlling for relevant confounders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subjects perceiving a higher physical demand were less likely to return to work 1 year after hospital discharge. Social support at work was positively associated with RTW at all time points. A high job strain appeared to be positively associated with RTW 1 year after rehabilitation, with limitations due to large confidence intervals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Perceptions of previous work environment may influence the probability of RTW. In a rehabilitation setting, efforts should be made to assess those perceptions and, if needed, interventions to modify them should be applied.
authors.affiliation: Clinique romande de réadaptation suvaCare, Case postale 352, Avenue Grand-Champsec 90, CH-1951 Sion, Switzerland. pierluigi.ballabeni@crr-suva.ch
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ballabeni
authors.forename: Cyrille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Burrus
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Luthi
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gobelet
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Dériaz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010465:Perception; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018582:Sick Leave; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*