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 .
Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation for Subacute Low Back Pain: Graded Activity or Workplace Intervention or Both?: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Study design . Population -based r and omized controlled trial . Objective . To assess the effectiveness of workplace intervention and grade d activity , separately and combined , for multidisciplinary rehabilitation of low back pain ( LBP ) . Summary of Background Data . Effective components for multidisciplinary rehabilitation of LBP are not yet established . Methods . Participants sick-listed 2 to 6 weeks due to nonspecific LBP were r and omized to workplace intervention ( n = 96 ) or usual care ( n = 100 ) .  Workplace intervention consisted of workplace assessment , work modifications , and case management involving all stakeholders . Participants still sick-listed at 8 weeks were r and omized for grade d activity  ( n = 55 ) or usual care ( n = 57 ) . Grade d activity comprised biweekly 1-hour exercise sessions based on operant-conditioning principles . Outcomes were lasting return to work , pain intensity and functional status , assessed at baseline , and at 12 , 26 , and 52 weeks after the start of sick leave . Results . Time until return to work for workers with workplace intervention was 77 versus 104 days ( median ) for workers without this intervention ( P = 0.02 ) . Workplace intervention was effective on return to work ( hazard ratio = 1.7 ; 95 % CI , 1.2–2.3 ; P = 0.002 ) .  Grade d activity had a negative effect on return to work ( hazard ratio = 0.4 ; 95 % CI , 0.3–0.6 ; P < 0.001 ) and functional status . Combined intervention had no effect . Conclusion . Workplace intervention is advised for multidisciplinary rehabilitation of subacute LBP . Grade d activity or combined intervention is not advised
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 .