Return to work following vocational rehabilitation for neck, back and shoulder problems : Risk factors reviewed

• PURPOSE: The present aim was an overview of factors associated with return to work following vocational rehabilitation for problems in the neck, back, and shoulders. METHOD: Studies were identified through a systematic keyword search in databases. For inclusion, return to work had to be in focus and studies to have been published between 1980 and 2000. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A great number of demographic, psychological, social, medical, rehabilitation-related, workplace-related and benefit-system-related factors are associated with return to work. The different types of risk factor are associated in many ways. People with greater chances of job return after vocational rehabilitation are younger, native, highly educated, have a steady job and high income, are married and have stable social networks, are self-confident, happy with life, not depressed, have low level of disease severity and no pain, high work seniority, long working history and an employer that cares and wishes them back to the work place. Unfortunately, people with the above profile are seldom found among the long-term sick.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Vocational rehabilitation

Social medicine

Socialmedicin

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)