title: The role of the Australian workplace return to work coordinator: essential qualities and attributes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the Australian context, a return to work (RTW) Coordinator assists an injured worker with workplace-based support and regulatory guidance for the duration of their injury. Coordinating the RTW process has been considered an effective approach for managing workplace injuries, however few studies have described the skills, traits or characteristics required to fulfil the role of workplace RTW Coordinator. This study aims to provide insight as to the skills and attributes needed for the role of the workplace RTW Coordinator from their experience and perception.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were conducted with workplace RTW Coordinators from six major Australian cities. Twenty five participants were recruited through a national RTW Coordinator website, and professional RTW interest groups using a snowballing technique. Participating workplace RTW Coordinators were required to have a minimum 2 years' experience and to have been involved with the development and implementation of workplace policies and procedures. Thematic analysis was performed to identify meaningful patterns and themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data analysed provided clear insight as to the specific role requirements necessary for working as an Australian workplace RTW Coordinator. Three key themes clearly emerged; communication skills, RTW Coordinator characteristics, and managing the RTW process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicate that RTW Coordinators require a wide range of traits, skills, and attributes to successfully perform this role. Effective management by the RTW Coordinator of the complex RTW process is essential to facilitate a smooth transition for the injured worker, alongside maintaining a professional relationship with the employer and external stakeholders. The results of this study can be utilised to further improve the selection of future RTW Coordinators.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia, Joanna.bohatko-naismith@newcastle.edu.au.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bohatko-Naismith
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guest
authors.forename: Darren A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Rivett
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010559:Personnel Management / Q000379:methods; D024382:Professional Role; D062707:Return to Work; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*