Entry into vocational rehabilitation program following work-related hand injury: Potential candidates.
OBJECTIVE
This case-control study aimed to investigate the predictors of return to work (RTW) following work-related major forearm, wrist or hand injury at the preparation stage of return to work.


METHODS
A total of 80 clients were recruited and divided into 2 groups depending on their readiness of RTW. The groups were compared with each other with regard to their demographics, compensation status, hand injury severity, health perception, and time off work (TOW) using correlation coefficient. Predictors of RTW were measured by logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in demographics and the severity of hand injury between 2 groups. Self-perceived physical functioning (p = 0.04), vitality (p = 0.01), mental health (p = 0.03) and TOW (p = 0.001) were significantly different between Action group and Preparation group. With binary logistic regression analysis, self-perceived vitality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.041) and TOW (OR = 0.996) were shown to be strongly predictive of RTW at the preparation stage of return to work.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown that shorter TOW and better self-perceived vitality could predict early readiness for RTW after major work-related forearm, wrist or hand injury.
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan (Rehabilitation Center, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). yuehhsiachen@gmail.com.
Yueh-Hsia
YH
Chen
Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan (Department of Physical Therapy). noelle0122@gmail.com.
Chung-Yin
CY
Hsu
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan (Rehabilitation Center, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery).
Shwu-Huei
SH
Lien
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan (Rehabilitation Center, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery).
Shu-Jung
SJ
Yu
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan (Rehabilitation Center, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery).
Jen-Mu
JM
Chang
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan (Rehabilitation Center, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery).
Shanq-Wen
SW
Su
National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine). yuanhungchao@ntu.edu.tw.
Yuan-Hung
YH
Chao
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D062707:Return to Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
hand injuries; occupational injuries; rehabilitation; return to work; vocational