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Work rehabilitation programs: a 1997 survey
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1999
Year
Health Care EnvironmentDisabilityEducationInjury PreventionWorker HealthWork AdjustmentOccupational Health ServicePublic HealthHealth Services ResearchOccupational ErgonomicsEmploymentHealth PolicyWork Rehabilitation ProgramsRehabilitationRehabilitation ProcessPhysical TherapyNursingOccupational TherapistsWorkforce DevelopmentOccupational DisorderOccupational TherapyRehabilitation MedicineOccupational Rehabilitation
Work rehabilitation programs have evolved in response to changes in healthcare, legislation, and consumer demands. The study surveyed occupational therapists in work programs to profile the current demographics of work rehabilitation programs. Respondents reported that programs deliver prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation services, mainly through ergonomics, education/training, and job analyses, and anticipate growth in work injury prevention services.
By adapting to the changing health care environment, legislative reforms, and consumer needs, work rehabilitation programs have experienced a metamorphosis. This study surveyed occupational therapists currently employed in work programs to ascertain a current demographic profile of work rehabilitation programs. Respondents indicated the delivery of services in the areas of prevention, assessment and rehabilitation. The majority of work rehabilitation programs in this study provide services in the form of ergonomics, education and training, and job analyses at the worksite. The area of work injury prevention services is forecasted for increased growth among work rehabilitation programs.