Occupational Therapy and Return to Work: A Systematic Review
Author Information
Author(s): Désiron Huguette AM, Rijk Angelique, Van Hoof Elke, Donceel Peter
Primary Institution: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Hypothesis
What are the effects of occupational therapy interventions on return to work in rehabilitation patients with non-congenital disorders?
Conclusion
Occupational therapy interventions positively influence return to work rates, but more studies with well-defined protocols are needed.
Supporting Evidence
- Six studies met the quality criteria for inclusion in the review.
- All studies indicated that occupational therapy interventions had a positive effect on return to work.
- Methodological quality of the studies varied, with some showing strong internal validity.
Takeaway
This study looked at how occupational therapy helps people get back to work after being sick or injured. It found that therapy can really help, but we need to know more about what works best.
Methodology
A systematic literature review of peer-reviewed papers focusing on randomized controlled trials and cohort studies published from 1980 to September 2010.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from selecting patients in insurance-paid programs was recognized in some studies.
Limitations
The studies varied widely in populations, outcome measures, and methodological quality, making comparisons difficult.
Participant Demographics
Participants were patients aged 18-65 years who were involved in rehabilitation programs aimed at return to work.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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