title: Pre-Post Evaluation of an Integrated Return to Work Planning Program in Workers' Compensation Assessment Clinics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a new workers' compensation medical assessment model on loss of earnings (LOE) benefits duration.
  
  
  METHODS
  A medical assessment model was introduced incorporating return to work planning and inclusion of the worker's treating physician. Impact of the program on LOE benefit duration was assessed using a quasi-experimental pre-post study design. Cox PH multivariable regression was adjusted for age, gender, injury severity, time to referral, and industry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study population comprised 3146 workers: 1794 assessed pre-intervention and 1574 assessed after introduction of the new model. There was a significant reduction in LOE benefit duration for workers assessed in the new model (hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.23-1.43).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The probability of being off LOE benefits for workers assessed in the new program was 33% greater than for workers assessed in the prior program.
authors: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Thompson, Dr Bain, Mr Theriault); Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Thompson).
authors: Aaron M S
authors: AM
authors: Thompson
authors: Donna
authors: D
authors: Bain
authors: Marc Erick
authors: ME
authors: Theriault
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009864:Ontario; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D062707:Return to Work / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*