The impact of COVID-19 critical illness on new disability, functional outcomes and return to work at 6 months: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports of new functional impairment following critical illness from COVID-19. We aimed to describe the incidence of death or new disability, functional impairment and changes in health-related quality of life of patients after COVID-19 critical illness at 6 months. METHODS: In a nationally representative, multicenter, prospective cohort study of COVID-19 critical illness, we determined the prevalence of death or new disability at 6 months, the primary outcome. We measured mortality, new disability and return to work with changes in the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 12L (WHODAS) and health status with the EQ5D-5LTM. RESULTS: Of 274 eligible patients, 212 were enrolled from 30 hospitals. The median age was 61 (51-70) years, and 124 (58.5%) patients were male. At 6 months, 43/160 (26.9%) patients died and 42/108 (38.9%) responding survivors reported new disability. Compared to pre-illness, the WHODAS percentage score worsened (mean difference (MD), 10.40% [95% CI 7.06-13.77]; p < 0.001). Thirteen (11.4%) survivors had not returned to work due to poor health. There was a decrease in the EQ-5D-5LTM utility score (MD, - 0.19 [- 0.28 to - 0.10]; p < 0.001). At 6 months, 82 of 115 (71.3%) patients reported persistent symptoms. The independent predictors of death or new disability were higher severity of illness and increased frailty. CONCLUSIONS: At six months after COVID-19 critical illness, death and new disability was substantial. Over a third of survivors had new disability, which was widespread across all areas of functioning. Clinical trial registration NCT04401254 May 26, 2020.

Returning to work in lung cancer survivors-a multi-center cross-sectional study in Germany.

PURPOSE: To investigate the work situation of lung cancer survivors and to identify the factors associated with their returning to work. METHODS: Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate study population characteristics and independent factors of subsequently returning to work. To analyze time to return to work, Cox regression was used. RESULTS: The study sample included 232 lung cancer survivors of working age from 717 enrolled participants in the multi-center cross-sectional LARIS (Quality of Life and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Lung Cancer Survivors) study. About 67% of the survivors were not employed during the survey. More than 51% of the survivors who were employed before their illness did not return to their work. The survivors who had returned to their careers were younger, associated with higher household income, lower fatigue score, and stable relationship and vocational training. Patients who received social service counseling showed a higher chance of regaining their career. CONCLUSIONS: Lung cancer survivors were found to be associated with a high risk of unemployment and very low professional reintegration after interruption due to illness. More comprehensive studies are needed to support lung cancer survivors and targeting of patients in need of special attention in rehabilitation that would benefit from the findings in the present study.

Does the Predominant Pain Location Influence Functional Outcomes, Satisfaction and Return to Work After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Cervical Radiculopathy?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively-collected registry data. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine how different combinations of preoperative neck pain (NP) and arm pain (AP) influence functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and return-to-work in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for degenerative cervical radiculopathy (DCR). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgeons often base decisions on the traditional belief that the predominance of radicular upper extremity symptoms is a stronger indication for cervical spine surgery than axial pain. However, there is a paucity of literature supporting this notion. METHODS: A prospectively maintained registry was reviewed for all patients who underwent primary ACDF for DCR. Patients were categorized into three groups depending on predominant pain location: AP predominant ([APP]; AP > NP), NP predominant ([NPP]; NP > AP), and equal pain predominance ([EPP]; NP = AP). Patients were prospectively followed for at least 2 years. RESULTS: In total, 303 patients were included: 27.4% APP, 38.9% NPP, and 33.7% EPP cases. The APP group was significantly older (P = 0.030), although there were no other preoperative differences among the three groups. After adjusting for baseline differences, the SF-36 Physical Component Summary was significantly better in the APP group at 6 months (P = 0.048) and 2 years (P = 0.039). In addition, they showed a trend towards better 6-month Neck Disability Index (P = 0.077) and 2-year SF-36 Mental Component Summary (P = 0.059). However, an equal proportion of patients in each group achieved the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for each outcome, were satisfied, and returned to work 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Although patients with NPP had slightly poorer function and quality of life, all patients experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes, regardless of the predominant pain location. High rates of satisfaction and return-to-work were also achieved. In the context of proper indications, these findings suggest that ACDF can be equally effective for DCR patients with varying combinations of NP or AP.Level of Evidence: 3.

Who can go back to work when the COVID-19 pandemic remits?

This paper seeks to determine which workers affected by lockdown measures can return to work when a government decides to apply lockdown exit strategies. This system, which we call Sequential Selective Multidimensional Decision (SSMD), involves deciding sequentially, by geographical areas, sectors of activity, age groups and immunity, which workers can return to work at a given time according to the epidemiological criteria of the country as well as that of a group of reference countries, used as a benchmark, that have suffered a lower level of lockdown de-escalation strategies. We apply SSMD to Spain, based on affiliation to the Social Security system prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and conclude that 98.37% of the population could be affected. The proposed system makes it possible to accurately identify the target population for serological IgG antibody tests in the work field, as well as those affected by special income replacement measures due to lockdown being maintained over a longer period.

Usefulness of heart rate variability indices in assessing the risk of an unsuccessful return to work after sick leave in depressed patients.

AIM: The present study aimed to examine whether heart rate variability (HRV) indices in depressed patients measured at return to work after sick leave are related to the outcome of reinstatement. METHODS: This study included 30 workers who took a leave of absence due to major depressive disorder. HRV was measured twice, once when participants left work and another when they returned to work. One month after returning to work, 19 participants continued their original work (successful return group), while 11 failed to perform their original work (unsuccessful return group). HRV indices including high- and low-frequency components (HF and LF) were calculated in three conditions within a session lasting for about 5 minutes, initial rest (Rest), mental task (Task), and rest after task (After), and were compared between the two participant groups. Psychological states were evaluated using Self-rating Depression Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the HRV indices on leaving work between groups. On returning to work, the "unsuccessful return group" exhibited lower HF Rest score, higher HF Task/Rest ratio, and higher LF/HF Rest score than the "successful return group." Psychological scores improved in both groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that autonomic dysregulations revealed by HRV measurement at return to work after a leave of absence in MDD patients were related to the outcome of reinstatement and can serve as useful information for the assessment of the risk of unsuccessful return.

Lineamientos para el retorno progresivo a las actividades laborales en el contexto de pandemia por COVID - 19 / Guidelines for the progressive return to work activities in the context of the COVID pandemic-19

GENERALIDADES: Objetivo y población de las recomendaciones: Brindar a los empleadores recomendaciones generales de medidas preventivas y prácticas seguras para la prevención de contagio de COVID - 19 en centros laborales. Población a la cual se aplicará las recomendaciones: Empleados que retornan a sus centros laborales en contexto de pandemia por COVID - 19. Usuarios y ámbito de las recomendaciones: Usuarios de las recomendaciones clínicas. Estos lineamientos están dirigidos a los empleadores y autoridades administrativas de Institutos y centros especializados de EsSalud en contexto de pandemia por COVID - 19. Ámbito de las recomendaciones clínicas: El presente documento es de aplicación en centros laborales. MÉTODOS: a. Búsqueda y selección de protocolos, guías de práctica clínica y documentos técnicos prévios: El 05 de junio de 2020 se realizó una búsqueda manual de guías de práctica clínica, y documentos técnicos nacionales e internacionales que brinden orientaciones para el retorno seguro a los centros laborales en contexto de pandemia por COVID - 19. Se consideró tomar como principal fuente de información a aquellos documentos que brindaron recomendaciones para la prevención de la transmisión e infección por COVID - 19 en centros laborales. b. Formulación de recomendaciones: Se revisaron los documentos previamente seleccionados que describieron ampliamente los procedimientos y consideraciones a tener antes del retorno a las actividades laborales, así como las actividades preventivas durante el desarrollo de las actividades laborales. Posteriormente se adaptaron al contexto del Seguro Social de Salud ­ EsSalud aquellos documentos cuyas recomendaciones estaban en concordancia con lo establecido en los documentos técnicos locales. DEFINICIONES OPERATIVAS: Centro laboral: Unidad productiva en el que se desarrolla la actividad laboral de una organización con la presencia de trabajadores. Desinfección: Reducción por medio de sustancia químicas y/o métodos físicos del número de microorganismos presentes en una superficie o en el ambiente, hasta un nivel que no ponga en riesgo la salud. EPP: Equipo de Protección Personal. Limpieza: Eliminación de suciedad e impurezas de las superficies utilizando agua, jabón, detergente o sustancias químicas. Puestos de trabajo con riesgo de exposición a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): Son aquellos puestos con diferente nivel de riesgo, que depende del tipo de actividad que realiza, por ejemplo, la necesidad de contacto a menos de 1 metro con personas que se conoce o se sospecha que estén infectadas con el virus del SARS-CoV-2, o el requerimiento de contacto repetido o prolongado con personas que se conoce o se sospecha que estén infectadas con el virus SARS-CoV-2. Empleador: Persona natural, jurídica, privada o pública, que emplea a uno o varios trabajadores. Trabajador: Persona que tiene vínculo laboral con el empleador; y a toda persona que presta servicios dentro de un centro laboral, cualquiera sea la modalidad contractual, incluyendo al personal de contratas, subcontratas, tercerización de servicios, entre otros. Trabajo en modalidad mixto: Hace referencia a la combinación de trabajo presencial con trabajo remoto, alternando las modalidades en atención a las necesidades de la entidad. Trabajo presencial: Se refiere a las tareas o funciones desempeñadas por un servidor con presencia física en el centro de labores, como consecuencia de una prestación laboral. Trabajo remoto: Es la prestación de servicios sujeta a subordinación, con la presencia física del servidor en su domicilio o lugar de aislamiento domiciliario, utilizando cualquier medio o mecanismo que le posibilite realizar sus funciones fuera del centro laboral, siempre que la naturaleza de las labores lo permita. RECOMENDACIONES EN EL CENTRO LABORAL: 1. Información y sensibilización del riesgo de transmisión e infección por COVID ­ 19. Difusión de mensajes clave: Difundir mensajes charlas informativas, paneles informativos, distribución de material informativo y de recordatorio como afiches o por medios electrónicos. Medidas de prevención de riesgo de infección por COVID ­ 19: Medidas generales de higiene. Limpieza del ambiente laboral. Equipos de protección individual. Medidas de control de riesgo de infección por COVID - 19: Lavado y desinfección de manos obligatorio. Medidas de protección personal. Vigilancia de salud del trabajador.

Return to work after spinal cord injury: a Singaporean pilot community-based rehabilitation program.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data collected as part of a pilot program. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of our study was to document the return-to-work rate of individuals with SCI who participated in a community-based interdisciplinary vocational rehabilitation program. The secondary objectives were to assess changes in their levels of community integration and functional independence. SETTING: A community-based rehabilitation center in Singapore. METHODS: Participants were individuals with SCI between 21 and 55 years. They identified return to work as a rehabilitation goal, and were certified fit to undergo rehabilitation by their physicians. Primary outcome was the return-to-work rate at discharge from the program. Secondary outcomes were community integration and functional independence, measured by the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM-III), respectively. We summarized participants' clinical and socio-demographic characteristics descriptively, and used inferential statistics to compare pre- and postprogram scores for secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants were included for this study. Thirty-two completed the program, of which 84% (n = 27) reported returning to work. Participants who completed the program had mean change in total CIQ and SCIM-III scores of 7 (95% CI, 5-8) and 11 (95% CI, 7-15), respectively. There were differences (p < 0.05) between pre- and postprogram scores for both secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that our vocational rehabilitation program facilitated participants with SCI in Singapore to return to work and was beneficial to enhance their levels of community integration and functional independence. Future interventional studies are recommended to estimate the efficacy of such programs.

Supporting employers to enhance the return to work of cancer survivors: development of a web-based intervention (MiLES intervention).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop an intervention targeting employers, with the aim of enhancing cancer survivors' return to work (RTW). METHODS: Intervention Mapping was used to combine information gathered from several procedures involving numerous stakeholders, for example, employers, cancer survivors, oncological occupational physicians, and e-health experts. RESULTS: Employers indicated that they require tailored support during four RTW phases: (1) disclosure, (2) treatment, (3) RTW planning, and (4) actual RTW. The most important employer actions were identified for each RTW phase, for instance, "communicate," "support practically," and "assess work ability," and thereafter formulated as the performance objectives of the intervention. The trans-theoretical model of change was used as a theoretical framework, and several methodologies were employed to induce the desired behavior change, for example modeling, tailoring, and active learning. Subsequently, a web-based intervention with interactive videos, conversation checklists, links to reliable external sources, and succinct, tailored tips and information was developed and adjusted on the basis of pre-tests with different stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was developed with input from employers and all relevant stakeholders in the RTW of cancer survivors. The systematic, step-wise development resulted in a succinct and easily accessible intervention targeting the most important employer actions during all RTW phases. As such, the intervention corresponds with employers' needs and preferences in practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: By providing employers with support, the intervention could well be the missing link in efforts to optimize the work participation of cancer survivors.

The Association of Preoperative Opioid Usage With Patient-Reported Outcomes, Adverse Events, and Return to Work After Lumbar Fusion: Analysis From the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC).

BACKGROUND: It is important to delineate the relationship between opioid use and spine surgery outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between preoperative opioid usage and postoperative adverse events, patient satisfaction, return to work, and improvement in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in patients undergoing lumbar fusion procedures by using 2-yr data from a prospective spine registry. METHODS: Preoperative opioid chronicity from 8693 lumbar fusion patients was defined as opioid-naïve (no usage), new users (<6 wk), short-term users (6 wk-3 mo), intermediate-term users (3-6 mo), and chronic users (>6 mo). Multivariate generalized estimating equation models were constructed. RESULTS: All comparisons were to opioid-naïve patients. Chronic opioid users showed less satisfaction with their procedure at 90 d (Relative Risk (RR) 0.95, P = .001), 1 yr (RR 0.89, P = .001), and 2 yr (RR 0.89, P = .005). New opioid users were more likely to show improvement in ODI at 90 d (RR 1.25, P < .001), 1 yr (RR 1.17, P < .001), and 2 yr (RR 1.19, P = .002). Short-term opioid users were more likely to show ODI improvement at 90 d (RR 1.25, P < .001). Chronic opioid users were less likely to show ODI improvement at 90 d (RR 0.90, P = .004), 1 yr (RR 0.85, P < .001), and 2 yr (RR 0.80, P = .003). Chronic opioid users were less likely to return to work at 90 d (RR 0.80, P < .001). CONCLUSION: In lumbar fusion patients and when compared to opioid-naïve patients, new opioid users were more likely and chronic opioid users less likely to have improved ODI scores 2 yr after surgery. Chronic opioid users are less likely to be satisfied with their procedure 2 yr after surgery and less likely to return to work at 90 d. Preoperative opioid counseling is advised.

Severity of Preoperative Myelopathy Symptoms Affects Patient-reported Outcomes, Satisfaction, and Return to Work After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively-collected registry data. OBJECTIVE: To compare the patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction, and return to work among a large cohort of patients stratified by preoperative myelopathy severity undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent clinical practice guidelines noted a lack of studies stratifying their sample based on preoperative disease severity. The benefits of early surgical intervention for patients with mild myelopathy remain uncertain. METHODS: A prospectively-maintained registry was retrospectively reviewed for all patients who underwent primary ACDF for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Patients were stratified based on severity of preoperative myelopathy symptoms according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale: mild (>13), moderate (9-13), or severe (<9). Patients were prospectively followed for at least 2 years. RESULTS: In total, 219 patients were included: 74 mild, 94 moderate, and 51 severe cases. The mild group had significantly better Neurogenic Symptoms (NS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), SF-36 Physical (PCS), and Mental Component Summary at baseline (P < 0.05). Neck and arm pain scores were similar at all time points. At 2 years, the severe group still had significantly worse patient-reported outcomes and lower rates of satisfaction, expectation fulfilment and return to work. However, they had significantly greater improvement in JOA, Neurogenic Symptoms, NDI, PCS, and Mental Component Summary, and a larger proportion attained minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for NDI and PCS. All three groups had similar proportions attaining MCID for JOA. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe myelopathy experienced a greater improvement after ACDF. Although fewer patients attained MCID, early surgical intervention for patients with mild myelopathy should also be considered, as this may allow patients to maintain their higher functional status. They also had high rates of postoperative satisfaction and return to work. The clinical trajectory outlined in this study may provide valuable prognostic information for patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Building a novel occupational rehabilitation program to support cancer survivors to return to health, wellness, and work in Australia.

PURPOSE: With a substantial increase in the population of cancer survivors of working age, issues concerning sustainable employment must be addressed. The health benefits of work are well established; however, the lack of support to transition back to work is a gap in survivorship care. Researchers, occupational rehabilitation and insurance sectors, cancer support services, and consumers have collaborated to develop a tailored, multimodal occupational rehabilitation program to support resumption of meaningful work for cancer survivors. This paper describes intervention development and refinement based on pilot results and expert- and consumer-recommendations. METHODS: The pilot was conducted within the life insurance sector, a collaboration fostered by global reinsurance company Swiss Re, with cancer survivors referred to an Australian provider of occupational rehabilitation services. RESULTS: Preliminary outcomes from 15 of 72 cancer survivors following adequate engagement (excluding those who withdrew or were still actively engaged) showed 10 (67%) with improved certified capacity to work, translating to 13 (87%) with improved work status. Consultant survey results indicated barriers to participation in and engagement with the program, including referral delays, health concerns, and cancer recurrence. Expert panel recommendations were used to refine the intervention and tailor to breast cancer survivors for the feasibility stage. CONCLUSIONS: Strengths include an innovative model of referral and funding, through a life insurance provider, the involvement of a multidisciplinary collaborative team to design, develop and implement the pilot, and considerable consumer involvement. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The refined intervention will address a critical gap to improve reintegration into work and society, contributing to improved quality of life for cancer survivors in Australia. Models of referral through insurers to rehabilitation services could be adopted in other jurisdictions.

The challenge of return to work in workers with cancer: employer priorities despite variation in social policies related to work and health.

PURPOSE: This study explored employer's perspectives on (1) their experience of good practice related to workers diagnosed with cancer and their return to work (RTW), and (2) their perceived needs necessary to achieve good practice as reported by employers from nine separate countries. METHODS: Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were held in eight European countries and Israel with two to three employers typically including HR managers or line managers from both profit and non-profit organisations of different sizes and sectors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A grounded theory/thematic analysis approach was completed. RESULTS: Employers' experience with RTW assistance for workers with cancer appears to be a dynamic process. Results indicate that good practice includes six phases: (1) reacting to disclosure, (2) collecting information, (3) decision-making related to initial actions, (4) remaining in touch, (5) decision-making on RTW, and (6) follow-up. The exact details of the process are shaped by country, employer type, and worker characteristics; however, there was consistency related to the need for (1) structured procedures, (2) collaboration, (3) communication skills training, (4) information on cancer, and (5) financial resources for realizing RTW support measures. CONCLUSIONS: Notwithstanding variations at country, employer, and worker levels, the employers from all nine countries reported that good practice regarding RTW assistance in workers with a history of cancer consists of the six phases above. Employers indicate that they would benefit from shared collaboration and resources that support good practice for this human resource matter. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Further research and development based on the six phases of employer support as a framework for a tool or strategy to support workers with a history of cancer across countries and organisations is warranted.

Epidemic Prevention During Work Resumption: A Case Study of One Chinese Company's Experience.

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic not only brings challenges to the health of people all over the world, but also impacts the global economy, and employment. Therefore, promoting industry and business to resume work safely has become an important step to be taken by all countries in overcoming the economic recession and restarting growth. Objective: This study aims to elaborate on epidemic prevention measures a Chinese company (Company C) took during work resumption. Methods: In this study, we used a case study design, with field research method applied to data collection and analysis. Results: It has been identified that Company C took a range of measures to prevent the outbreak of COVID-19 inside the company, which involve work resumption preparation (information survey, health training, work resumption plan, epidemic prevention plan), facilities management, materials management, employee activity management, and so on. Conclusion: When the COVID-19 epidemic was initially controlled in February, the Chinese government allowed enterprises to resume work voluntarily, which did not bring about a rebound in the epidemic. One important reason is that Chinese enterprises have taken multiple measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Company C's practices could shed some light on how companies in Western countries resume their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Beyond Cancer': a study protocol of a multimodal occupational rehabilitation programme to support breast cancer survivors to return work.

INTRODUCTION: With more women working and surviving breast cancer, issues concerning sustainable employment must be addressed. Support to transition back to work is a gap in survivorship care. This paper describes the feasibility trial protocol for 'Beyond Cancer', a multimodal occupational rehabilitation programme to support breast cancer survivors' return to work. Breast cancer survivors are hypothesised to show improved work status, work capacity and perceived support at work at 6 months postintervention relative to baseline and a historical usual care group. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The prospective feasibility design allows determination of change in primary (work status) as well as secondary outcome measures work capacity and perceived support at work. PARTICIPANTS: breast cancer survivors of working age, unable to work in their prediagnosis capacity for >3 months, their employers and a historical usual care group. Key intervention elements: an evidence-based biopsychosocial assessment and health coaching programme, employer education and support, and return to work (RTW) planning and monitoring. Health coaching empowers survivors to return to social function, including work. Employer education and support facilitates communication and improves workplace support. For employers, we predict change in confidence in effectively supporting employees' RTW. Multilevel regression modelling will provide indications of efficacy for primary and secondary outcomes, and thematic analysis will examine perceived efficacy and acceptability. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been granted by Monash and Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC: 13300, HRE2019-0280, respectively). The evaluation of this innovative programme will provide the foundation for an Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) and national roll-out, thus improving the quality of life of those who have been directly affected by breast cancer across Australia. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at relevant conferences and disseminated to survivorship-focused organisations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Registered trial with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (ACTRN12618001985279); Pre-results.

Long-term employment outcomes following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Returning to employment following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI) is critical for a survivor's well-being, yet currently there are no systematic reviews that comprehensively describe employment outcomes following msTBI. The objective of this study was to systematically synthesize literature on employment outcomes following msTBI.Methods: Original studies published through April 2018 on MEDLINE/PubMed, PsychINFO, and CINAHL were eligible if the objective was to investigate employment outcomes following msTBI; outcome was measured ≥1 year; participants were ≥15; and size was ≥60. Post-injury employment prevalence and return to pre-injury level of work were summarized through meta-analysis.Results: Of 38 eligible studies, post-injury employment prevalence was most often reported (n = 35), followed by job stability (n = 6), and return to pre-injury level of work (n = 4). Overall post-injury employment prevalence was 42.2%; whereas the return-to-previous-work prevalence was 33.0%. Post-injury employment prevalence appeared to increase over time, from 34.9% at 1 year to 42.1% up to 5 years and 49.9% beyond 5 years.Conclusion: Nearly half of individuals with msTBI were employed post-injury, yet only a third returned to pre-injury level of work. Future researchers are recommended to standardize employment outcome measures to enable better comparison of outcomes across studies.

Factors Associated With Return-to-Work Following Cervical Spine Surgery in Non-Worker's Compensation Setting.

STUDY DESIGN: This study retrospectively analyzes prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE: Here in this study we aim to determine the factors which impact a patient's ability to return to work (RTW) in the setting of cervical spine surgery in patients without worker's compensation status. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical management of degenerative cervical disease has proven cost-effectiveness and shown significant improvement in quality of life. However, the ability to RTW is an important clinical outcome for preoperatively employed patients. METHODS: All adult patients undergoing elective surgery for cervical degenerative disease at our institution are enrolled in a prospective, web-based registry. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was built for time to RTW. The variables included in the model were age, sex, smoking status, occupation type, number of levels operated on, ASA grade, body mass index, history of diabetes, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anxiety, depression, myelopathy at presentation, duration of symptoms more than 12 months, diagnosis, type of surgery performed, and preoperative Neck Disability Index, EuroQol Five Dimensions, and Numeric Rating Scale pain scores for neck pain and arm pain scores. RESULTS: Of the total 324 patients with complete 3-month follow-up data 83% (n = 269) returned to work following surgery. The median time to RTW was 35 days (range, 2-90 d). Patients with a labor-intensive occupation, higher ASA grade, history of CAD, and history of COPD were less likely to RTW. The likelihood of RTW was lower in patients with a diagnosis of disc herniation compared with cervical stenosis, patients undergoing cervical corpectomy compared laminectomy and fusion and patient with longer operative time. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies the various factors associated with a lower likelihood of RTW at 3 months after cervical spine surgery in the non-worker's compensation setting. This information provides expectations for the patient and employer when undergoing cervical spine surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Insights into cognitive work hardening for return-to-work following depression: Qualitative findings from an intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Workplace mental health disability claims are rising with concomitant challenges to return-to-work (RTW) success. Cognitive work hardening (CWH) addresses work re-entry issues including fatigue, coping skills, and reduced cognitive abilities which are relevant for people returning to work following an episode of depression. OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into underlying factors contributing to CWH's effectiveness in RTW preparation following depression. METHODS: Twenty-one individuals on paid disability leave due to depression completed a four week CWH treatment intervention prior to returning to work. At program completion and at three months follow up, participants provided qualitative information regarding their experience of the intervention in the form of written questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed using a directed approach to content analysis. RESULTS: Intervention elements perceived by participants as helpful included structure, work simulations, and simulated work environment. Main treatment gains reported by participants related to routine, self-confidence, stamina, and cognitive abilities. Personal agency, empowerment, and skill development emerged as important consequences of interventions for RTW following depression. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings enhance understanding of CWH with relevance to clinical practice. Key intervention elements deemed important for RTW are discussed and may provide guidance for other work-re-entry programs.