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Treatment and provider choice in worker injury rehabilitation: A systematic literature review

Authors :
Olwen Anderson
Christine Randall
Vanette McLennan
Source :
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 56:43-53
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
IOS Press, 2022.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the face of significant costs for injured worker rehabilitation and its impact on society, ongoing examination of how rehabilitation is carried out is warranted. OBJECTIVE: To review recent studies that explored the impact of the worker’s choice in terms of provider and treatment on the outcome for the worker in injury rehabilitation. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted using searches through electronic databases, with studies retrieved then subjected to a quality appraisal. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were eligible for inclusion. Studies reviewed found that choice of provider or treatment generated more positive outcomes for workers, and workers preferred a treatment provider familiar with their care. The worker’s ability to exercise choice was affected by conflict with other stakeholders and misalignment of expectations. The relationship between choice and costs was unclear, sometimes conflicting. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of treatment and provider choice on outcomes for workers remains unclear. The worker’s ability to choose may be hampered by systemic constraints, access to preferred providers, misalignment of stakeholder expectations, and the worker’s ability to engage in decision making. Greater worker engagement in their rehabilitation could potentially reduce costs as well as improve psychosocial outcomes.

Details

ISSN :
18786316 and 10522263
Volume :
56
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........dee9979064ae5a5d5894d0333ce7182f
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-211171