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 .
Participatory ergonomics as a return-to-work intervention: a future challenge?
BACKGROUND Participatory ergonomics ( PE ) are often applied for prevention of low back pain ( LBP ) . In this pilot- study , a PE-program is applied to the disability management of workers sick listed due to LBP . METHODS The process , implementation , satisfaction , and barriers for implementation concerning the PE-program were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively for 35 workers sick listed 2 - 6 weeks due to LBP and their ergonomists . RESULTS Two-hundred- and -seventy ergonomic solutions were proposed to the employer . They were targeted more at work design and organization of work ( 58.9 % ) than at workplace and equipment design ( 38.9 % ) . They were planned mostly on a short-term basis ( 74.8 % ) . Almost half ( 48.9 % ) of the solutions for work adjustment were completely or partially implemented within 3 months after the first day of absenteeism . Most workers were satisfied about the  PE-program  ( median score 7.8 on a 10-point scale ) and reported a stimulating effect on return-to-work ( 66.7 % ) . Main obstacles to implementation were technical or organizational difficulties ( 50.0 % ) and physical disabilities of the worker ( 44.8 % ) . CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that compliance , acceptance , and satisfaction related to the PE-program were good for all participants . Almost half of the proposed solutions were implemented
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 .