The key features of the program include ; having trained personnel coordinate the RTW process , identifying and ranking barriers and solutions to RTW from the perspective of all important stakeholders , mediating practical solutions at the workplace and , empowering the injured worker in RTW decision-making .
Background Despite over 2 decades of research , the ability to prevent  work-related low back pain ( LBP ) and disability  remains elusive .
Recent research suggests that interventions that are focused at the workplace and incorporate the principals of participatory ergonomics and return-to-work ( RTW ) coordination can improve RTW and reduce disability following a work-related back injury .
Workplace interventions or programs to improve RTW  are difficult to design and implement given the various individuals and environments involved , each with their own unique circumstances .
Intervention mapping provides a framework for design ing and implementing complex interventions or programs .
The objective of this study is to design a best evidence RTW program for occupational LBP tailored to the Ontario setting using an intervention mapping approach .
A 5-Year Follow-Up Evaluation of the Health and Economic Consequences of an Early Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Back Pain: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Study Design . A 5-year follow-up of a r and omized , controlled trial . Objective . To evaluate the long-term health and economic consequences of a cognitive behavioral intervention . Summary of Background Data . Linton and And ersson ( Spine 2000;25:2825–31 ) provide 1 of only a few studies on the preventive effects of a cognitive behavioral intervention . The present study is a 5-year follow-up . Methods . In the original study , 213 participants were r and omized to the cognitive-behavioral group intervention or to usual care plus information on self-care ( information comparison group ) .  Of participants , 97 % completed a follow-up question naire 5 years after the intervention , and supplemental records were obtained from the National Insurance Authority . Results . The cognitive behavioral group had significantly less pain , was more active , enjoyed better quality of life , and had better general health relative to the information comparison group . There was no difference on health care use . The risk of long-term sick leave was 3 times higher in the information comparison group . The cognitive behavioral group had significantly less lost productivity costs and a lower total cost/y/person ( 16,514 Swedish kronor ) compared to the information comparison group ( 45,990 Swedish kronor ) . Conclusions . A cognitive-behavioral group intervention produces long-term health and economic benefits . Usual medical care might be improved considerably by implementing these psychologic methods
The key features of the program include ; having trained personnel coordinate the RTW process , identifying and ranking barriers and solutions to RTW from the perspective of all important stakeholders , mediating practical solutions at the workplace and , empowering the injured worker in RTW decision-making .
Background Despite over 2 decades of research , the ability to prevent  work-related low back pain ( LBP ) and disability  remains elusive .
Recent research suggests that interventions that are focused at the workplace and incorporate the principals of participatory ergonomics and return-to-work ( RTW ) coordination can improve RTW and reduce disability following a work-related back injury .
Workplace interventions or programs to improve RTW  are difficult to design and implement given the various individuals and environments involved , each with their own unique circumstances .
Intervention mapping provides a framework for design ing and implementing complex interventions or programs .
The objective of this study is to design a best evidence RTW program for occupational LBP tailored to the Ontario setting using an intervention mapping approach .