bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Administration and application of the Worker Role Interview:	looking beyond functional capacity
Authors: Gail S. Fisher
Published: December 2024

Assessing factors beyond the functional capacity of the injured worker is challenging, yet essential for deriving a more complete understanding of the worker. Insight into a worker's perceptions of abilities and limitations, commitment to the worker role, perception of the impact of the injury on non-work roles, ability to adjust habits and routines, and perception of the work environment allows the therapist to identify and address barriers to return-to-work. The Worker Role Interview (WRI), based on the Model of Human Occupation, is designed to assist the therapist in obtaining this information. The therapist's ratings on a four-point scale provide a picture of the factors which support and interfere with successful return-to-work. This paper describes the WRI and discusses its clinical application. A case example illustrates how the information gained from the WRI can be used for treatment planning.
Deafness and hearing loss - a global health problem
Authors: Shannon Sneed  , Donna Joss
Published: December 2024

Throughout history deafness and hearing loss have been widely misunderstood. Issues concerning the education of deaf children, appropriate means of communication and remediation of deafness have consistently been a source of heated debate between the professionals working with the deaf and the deaf people themselves. The purpose of this paper is an attempt to illustrate these issues and to impart to the reader the realization that a diagnosis of ``deaf'' means so much more than the inability to hear and understand speech and other sounds. It is a way of life that cannot be ignored (Jacobs, A Deaf Adult Speaks Out, Harvard University Press, Washington, DC, 1994).
Prospective role for telemedicine as a communication tool for	rural rehabilitation practice
Authors: Mark Malagodi  , Scott Smith
Published: December 2024

The current trend of cost containment in health care has prompted a search for innovative methods of providing the best quality care at the lowest possible cost. One method that has received much attention is the use of telemedicine to conduct evaluations at rural locations. There has been much research conducted in the area of telemedicine for radiology, and some other medical specialties, however there has been very little research examining the utilization of telemedicine for allied health, vocational rehabilitation, and Assistive Technology evaluations. In addition to providing an overview of telemedicine service delivery history and mechanisms, results of a focus group are discussed, and specific applications for the field of vocational rehabilitation are considered.
Logging injuries in Louisiana: nature, trends, and rehabilitation	considerations
Authors: Scott Smith  , Cornelis de Hoop  , Brian Marx  , John Pine
Published: December 2024

Logging is a dangerous occupation, as documented through reported injuries and fatalities. Accidents in the logging industry account for pain, suffering, employee turnover, and high insurance costs. Worker injuries and high insurance costs, in addition to other factors, may be minimized and reduced through safety education and improved logging practices. Furthermore, the injured logger, or logger with a disability may return to logging or other employment through development of viable medical and vocational rehabilitation planing. This article addresses the economic impact of logging, reviews logging injuries, describes a safety program designed to reduce logging injures, discusses rehabilitation considerations for specific injuries, and outlines particular reemployment prospects for loggers with disabilities.
The effect of Video Display Terminal (VDT) mouse use on muscle	contractions in the neck and forearm
Authors: Nancy A. Baker  , Karen Jacobs  , Catherine Trombly
Published: December 2024

This study used surface electromyography (EMG) to examine the percent of maximum voluntary contraction (%M flexors of the wrist/fingers and extensors of the wrist/fingers during Video Display Terminal (VDT) mouse use with the mouse positioned either next to the computer or on a lapdesk. Thirty participants, between the ages of 18 and 40, used a VDT mouse to follow a prescribed pattern for three trials at each location. Although there was a trend towards the lapdesk location producing lower %M flexors (lapdesk: trapezius M 4.71%, trapezius M 5.74%, for sequence and order found no significant difference between the means. There was no trend for the effects of location for the wrist/finger extensors. These results suggest that changing the position of the mouse may not significantly reduce muscle contractions.
Medical impairing injuries among Swedish firefighters
Authors: Per-Olof Bylund  , Ulf Bj\"ornstig
Published: December 2024

Using insurance data, medically impairing injuries sustained by 111 firefighters were analyzed. The injury incidence per year among full-time working firefighters was 39 per 10 000, and among part-time working firefighters 6 per 10 000. More than half (51%) fitness training, 14% response, while 4% events. Soccer and floorball caused 82% more than half were meniscal or sprain injuries of knees or ankles. None of those injured during emergency response suffered from burn injuries, however during job training 4 sustained burns. Less injurious fitness training and practice activities could greatly reduce impairing injuries among firefighters and consequently reduce economical losses and disability.
A return to work program for injured workers: a reassignment	model
Authors: Rachel E. Helm  , Nancy J. Powell  , Els R. Nieuwenhuijsen
Published: December 2024

The current workers' compensation system does not encourage permanently restricted workers who are disabled due to work related injuries to return to work. Workers are often labeled permanently disabled and are released from their positions with their employers. However, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, these individuals may be qualified to return to productive employment. This paper will describe a Reassignment Model for occupational therapy supported by the rehabilitation frame of reference. This Model presents reassignment to a vacant position as a reasonable accommodation to return injured workers to productive employment. A case study will illustrate the successful implementation of the model. The potential benefits of using this Model will be described for clients, society, employers, and the occupational therapy profession.
Ideational conflict: the key to promoting creative activity in the	workplace
Authors: Lorraine Dagostino
Published: December 2024

This article defines the concept of ideational conflict as it applies to the process of identifying a problem and developing a plan of action for resolving the problem. Then the article examines and illustrates how the ideational conflict that is generated by brainstorming can lead to creative thinking that resolves disparate points of view. The illustration extends the generally accepted view of brainstorming and applies it to identifying a problem related to the university/college work environment. The problem situation is that of the loss of high ability faculty and sutdents to other institutions.
The inter-rater reliability and validity of self-report of risk	factors for cumulative trauma disorders within the hand therapist population -	a pilot study
Authors: Mindy Dargart Catalano  , Michelle Campagna  , Tina Doner-Galle  , Kim McFaul Chiappetta  , Christy Neuhaus  , Sara Peters  , Lucinda Dale
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives:} This study examined the validity of hand therapists' self-report of cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) risk factors by comparing the self-report to observations performed by the raters. Inter-rater reliability was also analyzed between the raters who observed the hand therapists. {\it Study Design:} Two raters simultaneously observed each hand therapist during a splinting task at a therapy facility. Following this task, the raters and the hand therapist independently completed an identical assessment tool. Thirteen therapists were observed and a total of six raters observed the therapists. Responses from two categories of the self-assessment, ``posture'' and ``mechanical stress'', were compared. Percentage of agreement was calculated by dividing the number of like responses by the total number of possible responses for each category. {\it Results:} Overall inter-rater reliability was 72%, significantly above the accepted minimum standard of 60--70%, and validity was 39%, significantly below the accepted minimum. {\it Conclusion:} The high percentage of inter-rater reliability established consistency and accuracy among the raters in their observations. However, the low percentage of validity should prompt hand therapists to investigate the accuracy of a patient's self-report before relying on it for treatment.
Order of selection in vocational rehabilitation: implications for	the transition from school to adult outcomes for youths with learning	disabilities
Authors: James Bellini  , Joanna Royce-Davis
Published: December 2024

Interagency cooperation between special education and vocational rehabilitation (VR) is central to ensuring the continuity of services to young adults with disabilities who are in transition from school to adult living. However, the interface between special education and VR may be complicated by order of selection, an equally binding mandate in federal VR policy to provide priority services to individuals with the most severe disabilities. Because students with learning disabilities are typically perceived as having mild rather than severe disabilities, these youths are most at risk for falling through the cracks in the service landscape once they leave the school setting in states where the VR agency is implementing an order of selection procedure. This article identifies and discusses common impediments to collaborative transition planning for students with learning disabilities that may be intensified when the state VR agency is operating under an order of selection plan. Recommendations are provided to facilitate greater interagency cooperation among schools and VR agencies so that transition planning and implementation for students with learning disabilities is not subverted as a result of the order of selection mandate.
Vocational aspects of life care planning for people with spinal	cord injury
Authors: Terry L. Blackwell  , Michael J. Millington  , Doris E. Guglielmo
Published: December 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic event with profound, long-term consequences in all aspects of an individual's life, including employment. The life care plan (LCP) is a methodology that is used to document the continuum of care needs that an individual with SCI will have across his or her life span. The LCP also highlights the critical stages of development necessary to maximize the person's functional potential and productivity. This article provides a brief overview, with a case study example, of how the LCP can be used in addressing an individual's post-injury employability needs.
Women with disabilities making the transition back to work:	Psychosocial barriers and interventions
Authors: Cheryl A. Reed
Published: December 2024

The economic impact of disability on employment, earnings, and education appears to be more devastating for women than for men. Women with disabilities who are making the transition either back into the workforce or into the workforce for the first time often face barriers that are unique to this population. Many researchers have described women with disabilities as having a ``double disadvantage'' that results in social and psychological barriers to their transition back to work. The purpose of this article is to help vocational and career development programs better address the psychosocial needs of women with disabilities by (a) describing key psychosocial barriers faced by women with disabilities in their transition back to work and (b) providing career development strategies designed to ease this transition process for women with disabilities and enhance their employment outcomes.
Evaluation of an inter-organizational program for prevention of	work-related injuries in a WHO Safe Community
Authors: Kent Lindqvist  , Toomas Timpka  , Lothar Schelp  , Mats {\AA}hlgren
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} To evaluate the effect of a community-based injury prevention program on work-related injuries. {\it Study design:} A population-based quasi-experimental design was used with pre- and post-implementation measurements in an intervention and a control area. The program was based on cross-sectoral participation in detecting and taking action against work-related injuries. Change in the relative risk of injury was estimated by the odds ratio. {\it Results:} The relative risk of work-related injury decreased following program exposure, whereas a tendence toward increase was observed in the control area. Middle-aged men accounted for the largest decrease in injury risk. Among the women, a decrease was observed only in the upper middle-aged group. No female-dominated occupational area showed a decrease in injury risk following exposure to the program. {\it Conclusion:} The study showed that the community-based approach had a general effect on the incidence of work-related injuries.
How useful is the term ``Cumulative Trauma Disorder''?
Authors: Nancy A. Baker
Published: December 2024

Cumulative trauma disorder is a widely accepted construct that refers to illnesses of the soft tissues which supposedly occur due to biomechanical workplace risk factors. However, is the term ``cumulative trauma disorder'' a useful term for describing the illness attributed to it? This paper will scrutinize this question by specifying the meaning of ``cumulative trauma disorder'' and examining this construct to see if the belief in it is justified, and if this belief is leading to the elucidation of the phenomenon it is purporting to notate. Anomalous findings will be identified and used to help evaluate the accuracy of the belief system currently surrounding the term. Finally the ability of the construct ``cumulative trauma disorder'' to provide an adequate foundation for research in this area will be explored. A model of alternate pathomechanisms for this illness is advanced to provide a method of studying the disorders associated with the term.
Reliability of work-related assessments
Authors: Ev Innes  , Leon Straker
Published: December 2024

Insufficient evidence of the reliability of work-related assessments is a major concern in this area of practice. Despite this concern there has been ongoing development of new assessments, while existing assessments have been revised, modified and updated and others are no longer used or available. {\it Objectives:} The purpose of this study was to determine the extent and quality of evidence for the reliability of work-related assessments. {\it Study Design:} This study examined available literature and sources in order to review the extent which reliability has been established for 28 work-related assessments. {\it Results:} The levels of evidence and reliability are presented for each assessment. This indicates that a number of commercially available work-related assessments have insufficient evidence of reliability. For the limited number of work-related assessments with an adequate level of evidence on which to judge their reliability, most demonstrate a moderate to good level. Few assessments, however, have demonstrated levels of reliability sufficient for clinical (and legal) purposes. {\it Conclusion:} With this study clinicians will be able to examine their options with regard to the reliability of the assessments they choose to use. Interpretation of changes in test results can be considered in the light of the evidence for the reliability of the instrument used.
Injuries to Swedish school pupils: Distribution and patterns by	type of school and type of municipality
Authors: Lucie Laflamme  , Ewa Menckel  , Lothar Schelp
Published: December 2024

The study examines the distribution of injuries and their patterns among Swedish school pupils. Data were gathered from an injury register created during the school year 1996/97, with the help of 79 schools and using a standardized registration form. Injury ratios (IRs) by gender, type of municipality, and type of school were measured all injuries aggregated and for five injury patterns. IRs did not vary much by gender, but showed considerable variation by type of school and type of municipality. A strong association was found between injury pattern and gender. Taken as a whole, the findings shed light on the circumstances under which school injuries are incurred. They suggest that targets for prevention may vary by gender, school level and, to some extent, by type of municipality. The extent to which the findings are generalizable is uncertain.
Is the coefficient of variation a valid measure for detecting	sincerity of effort of grip strength?
Authors: Orit Shechtman
Published: December 2024

The wide use of the coefficient of variation in detecting sincerity of effort is puzzling since existing research findings regarding its effectiveness are contradictory. The lack of empirical support in the literature raises the question of whether or not the coefficient of variation is a valid measure for detecting sincerity of effort. Many clinicians, especially those who use a computer software to calculate the coefficient of variation, may not understand how the coefficient of variation is derived and what it is based on. The coefficient of variation is a measure of relative variability and would be used correctly only if the average and the standard deviation of grip strength trials increased proportionally. This case study, however, demonstrated that the average and standard deviation of grip strength are independent. Thus, the coefficient of variation is not a valid measure of sincerity of effort. In addition, this study indicated that the coefficient of variation may be inflated in individuals after carpal tunnel release surgery. The author, therefore, cautions clinicians against the use of the coefficient of variation as a measure of sincerity of effort especially in injured individuals with compromised hand strength.
Understanding the transfer of knowledge and skills from training	to preventive action using ergonomic work analysis with 11 female VDT	users
Authors: Louis Trudel  , Sylvie Montreuil
Published: December 2024

A qualitative evaluation of 11 VDT users, who participated in a training program for the prevention of musculoskeletal and visual problems, investigated the extent of the application of the taught principles in everyday work. Data were collected over a 2 to 3 day period for each trainee, through an ergonomic work analysis {\it in situ} and semi-structured interviews, followed by recommendations, when appropriate, corresponding to the taught principles. A case analysis and a cross analysis of the data provided information about the developed ability for self-analysis of work regarding posture and visual comfort and what influenced it. A model depicting the process of transfer of knowledge and skills, from the training program to preventive action, was abstracted from data analysis. This model allows both the identification of problems in applying taught principles and the means to readjust the training program.
Part II. Work hardening for warriors: Training military	Occupational Therapy professionals in the management of combat stress	casualties
Authors: Valerie J. Rice  , Steve M. Gerardi
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this article is to describe the training of military occupational therapy personnel in a unique application of their professional skills. Ergonomic principles of training for stressful environments were implemented to ensure training effectiveness and transfer of skills to combat situations. Training schedules, casualty role-play scenarios, critical incident stress debriefing principles and scenarios, unit survey guidelines, and premises for training persons to function under stressful conditions are provided. Comparisons with civilian applications are drawn, and suggestions for future roles and training for Occupational Therapy professionals are given.
Effectiveness of an educational intervention to increase knowledge	and reduce use of risky behaviors associated with cumulative trauma in office	workers
Authors: Beth C. Marcoux  , Volker Krause  , Els R. Nieuwenhuijsen
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} This pilot project assessed the effectiveness of an intervention to increase knowledge and reduce risky behaviors related to cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) in office workers. {\it Study Design:} All 124 employees from the administrative offices of a health maintenance organization were invited to participate. Subjects were followed across time using an identification number. Data were collected via questionnaire in June 1994 (pretest1) (N=84), August 1994 (pretest II) (N= 63) and September 1995 (posttest) (N=40). The yearlong intervention focused on functional activities to prevent CTD. {\it Results:} of chi-square analyses for the 40 subjects who completed all surveys indicated this intervention significantly increased overall knowledge of CTD (p = .002). Significant changes in self-reported hand/wrist (p = .016) and neck/shoulder (p = .003) posture were also found. {\it Conclusions:} This study is a first step in identifying effective educational interventions to increase knowledge and reduce risk factors related to CTD in office workers.
The effectiveness of intervention strategies used to educate	clients about prevention of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders
Authors: Donna M. Leonard
Published: December 2024

The increased prevalence of work-related cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremity highlights the need for effective prevention programs. This paper examines the effectiveness of different intervention strategies used to educate workers about the prevention of upper extremity CTDs. The articles reviewed include primary prevention and reinjury prevention interventions in both clinical and workplace settings. The current research findings are inconclusive. Intervention strategies may include discussion, demonstration, or practice of proper posture and body mechanics. Practice of correct techniques may not be necessary to achieve improved hand-use patterns in assembly-line workers. However, practice with intensive feedback may be necessary to achieve the best performance of hand-wrist position, but not sitting posture, in computer operators. The effects of practice on correct hand use may depend on the type of job task. Further research is needed to clarify the role of practice and feedback in CTD prevention.
The school-to-work transition of people with mental handicap in	Hong Kong
Authors: Eria Ping-ying Li
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the school-to-work experience of people with mental handicap in Hong Kong. Fourteen young adults with mild mental handicap participated in in-depth interviews. An interview guide was utilized which included topics related to the participants' vocational preferences, work motivation and post-school placements. Data were analyzed according to a constant comparative method and content analysis. Three-quarters of the participants expressed job preferences. Three-quarters of the participants had taken a vocational training program unrelated to their job preferences. Half of the participants who had taken up open employment had not obtained their preferred jobs. None of the participants who had completed vocational training obtained job placements that matched their vocational training programs. All of the participants except five were not involved in making independent decisions regarding employment. The need to improve the quality of vocational services and empower people with mental handicap to take up self-determining roles are discussed.
The development of supported employment services for people with	mental illness: local experience in Hong Kong
Authors: Frank P.F. Chiu
Published: December 2024

Before the 1960s in Hong Kong, specialized vocational services for people with mental illness were very limited, and sheltered workshop seemed to be the only option for their future vocational placement at that time. As discussed in the literature, there are still many shortcomings of the sheltered workshop model, that brings us to the emergence of another community-based vocational service: Supported Employment. Unlike traditional vocational services, the concept of supported employment emphasizes the placing of the clients into integrated work environments and then providing on-going support and work-related skills training in the job post. Though supported employment services help many clients to sustain a job in the competitive market, many service barriers and problems still remain unsolved. These service barriers and problems will be discussed in this article, and suggestions will be made.
Vocational outcomes of individuals with psychiatric disabilities	participating in a supported competitive employment program
Authors: Kin Wong  , Lai-ping Chiu  , Sau-wai Tang  , Hon-kit Kan  , Chung-lung Kong  , Hon-wai Chu  , Wai-mei Lo  , Yuk-ming Sin  , Siu-ning Chiu
Published: December 2024

The objective of this paper is to report on the vocational outcomes of individuals with psychiatric disabilities participating in a supported competitive employment (SCE) program. A total of 458 subjects enrolled in the present SCE program which was developed on the basis of the Supported Employment Model developed by Wehman [23] and the principles of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) developed by Becker and Drake [5]. Of the 458 subjects, 308 (67.3%) 134 days. The mean salary was $4,740 for full-time jobs and was $2,321 for part-time jobs. The majority of subjects (59.4%) sustain their job placement for more than 30 days, 74 (24.0%) subjects could work for more than six months, and 38 (12.3%) maintain the job for more than one year. Subjects who became employed were compared to those who did not gain employment on a variety of demographic variables. Significant differences were found between two groups in terms of sex and source of referral. The rate of employment in the current study was slightly higher, but the job retention rate was lower than in earlier studies. Recommendations for future research on evaluation of the effectiveness of SCE program are suggested.
Guidelines for evaluating research articles
Authors: Phillip Rumrill  , Shawn Fitzgerald  , Megen Ware
Published: December 2024

The article describes the components and composition of journal articles that report empirical research findings in the field of rehabilitation. The authors delineate technical writing strategies and discuss the contents of research manuscripts, including the Title, Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, and References. The article concludes with a scale that practitioners, manuscript reviewers, educators, and students can use in critically analyzing the content and scientific merits of published rehabilitation research.
Using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in rehabilitation research	investigations
Authors: Shawn M. Fitzgerald  , Phillip Rumrill  , Raymond C. Hart
Published: December 2024

The article examines the underlying assumptions, applications, and interpretations of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in rehabilitation research. ANOVA is presented as a widely used and highly versatile statistical tool for assessing the performance of two or more groups on a broad range of dependent variables. Examples from the contemporary rehabilitation literature are used to demonstrate how ANOVA can be applied and interpreted in a number of scientific contexts.
Wellness in industry
Authors: Allen W. Wicken
Published: December 2024

Workplace wellness as a concept has been used extensively in recent years by management in business and industry, health professionals, fitness experts, and others. Interest continues to grow, and the value of wellness programs is increasingly being discussed and debated. Most will agree that well-designed and administered programs deliver positive outcomes for employers as well as employees. This chapter will assist occupational health professionals interested in overall wellness programming, to distinguish wellness from other related concepts that have added confusion to the overall discussion. A growing number of external forces that are providing added encouragement for wellness programming in the workplace are also discussed.
Blueprint for ergonomics
Authors: Barbara A. Larson  , Melanie T. Ellexson
Published: December 2024

Worker safety and health, and productivity and efficiency on the job can be greatly impacted by the application of ergonomics. This article outlines the decision making process for implementing ergonomic change in the workplace. Ergonomic principles, as well as risk factors for the upper extremity and low back are identified. Three ergonomic measurement methods are presented including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1991 Revised Lifting Guidelines, Rodgers's Functional Job Analysis Technique, and the Moore and Garg Strain Index. Ergonomic solutions are discussed and additional factors to consider when designing ergonomic changes are identified.
Importance of job analysis with functional capacity matching in	medical case management: A physician's perspective
Authors: Barbara Toeppen-Sprigg
Published: December 2024

Medical case management of musculoskeletal injuries can be facilitated when objective testing of the physical demands of the job can be compared to the functional capabilities of the individual. When the job analysis is appropriately sectioned into the separate physical demands, the physician can use information about specific job demands to maximize the likelihood of a safe return to regular duties. The response in the physical abilities in the worker can then be again functionally evaluated, leading to increased confidence in the process.
Working environmental conditions as experienced by women working	despite pain
Authors: Bodil J. Landstad  , Jan Ekholm  , Lisbet Broman  , Kristina Sch\"uldt
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} This study looked at female hospital cleaners and home help personnel who continued working despite problems or pain in their musculoskeletal system and where there was a risk of increase in sickness absence. The aim was to determine whether supportive intervention for these personnel at the workplace had an effect on the way that they experienced the physical and psychosocial aspects of their working environments.

{\it Methods:} The design was prospective with non-rando-mised intervention and reference groups. A selection of 55 questions about physical and psychosocial working environment from a national survey were used. Comparisons were made between intervention and reference groups and with data on a selection of the Swedish population of people in these professions.

{\it Results:} The results showed that in the hospital cleaners' intervention group the introduction of new cleaning materials and new cleaning methods seemed to contribute to a reduction in workload during the intervention period, which in turn gave them a better chance of taking rest breaks during working time. In the home helps' intervention group the results showed that the group had had a reduction both in workload and in more responsible tasks, and at the same time the psychosomatic stress reactions reduced after the intervention.

{\it Conclusions:} The results indicate that effects on the working environmental conditions as experienced could be obtained by a general multi-component support program at the workplace, but the number of variables influenced by the program was very small. The relatively limited effects may be explained by the fact that the impact of a support program depends on how well the remedial measures fulfil the need for such measures either at the workplace, in a work group or among the individual people at the workplace. This emphasises the importance of designing effective analysis tools for judging what remedial measures are needed before the measures themselves are tried out.
Educating back-injured workers: What should we be teaching?
Authors: Rowland G. Hazard  , Sheila Reid  , Antonia A. Clark
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} The purpose of this study was to identify what information people with acute and chronic back pain, health care practitioners, employers and case managers felt should be included in an educational brochure for recently back-injured workers.

{\it Study design:} Four focus groups were convened, each comprising several representatives from one of the four constituencies. Participants rated 32 information items regarding their inclusion in an educational brochure. Ratings were tabulated for ranking and for group comparisons.

{\it Results:} While consensus was strong for most information items, there were apparent differences between the groups for several items relating to work resumption, medical attention, and legal or compensation consultation.

{\it Conclusions:} Perceived educational needs of back-injured workers may differ from those of their health care practitioners and from their employers or insurers. Future efforts to prevent back disability through education should include evaluation of the informational needs of injured workers.
Will Australian workers' compensation insurance management get	better soon?
Authors: Carol O'Donnell
Published: December 2024

A study of Australian experience in the state of New South Wales (NSW) suggests that private sector underwriting of workers' compensation insurance risk plus insurer competition on premium price may put downward pressure on benefits for injured workers, inhibit rehabilitation, and cause related cost increases for taxpayers and employers. Insurer underwriting also increases workers' compensation administrative costs and means an unnecessary loss of investment income for government and industry. An emerging and better alternative for the Australian community is for government and industry to underwrite a national workers' compensation scheme and to fix premium and benefit requirements which are competitively administered by insurers. In such a regulatory environment insurer inability to compete on premium price should promote competition to provide effective services to help employers prevent injury, assist rehabilitation and contain cost. National standards are necessary to enable widespread dissemination of comparable, reliable information on the outcome of health, rehabilitation, dispute resolution and return to work services. This is required to assess the competitive performance of service providers in order to ensure effective operation of the market to achieve scheme objectives. Holistic, multi-skilled and objective rehabilitation professionals are needed who can clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of their actions in assisting injury prevention, worker rehabilitation, and safe return to work across a range of industry contexts.
The sense-of-coherence and the capability of performing daily	occupations in persons with chronic pain
Authors: Marie-Louise Schult  , Ingrid S\"oderback  , Karen Jacobs
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives:} It may be helpful for occupational therapists who promote enabling occupations among persons with chronic pain, to understand the relationship between the persons feelings of meaningfulness, comprehensibility and manageability in life and their capability to perform daily occupations.

{\it Aim:} The aim of this study was to describe and investigate how these concepts of person and occupational performance of 27 daily occupations in terms of ``effort'', ``inconvenience'', ``avoidance'', ``give up'', ``frequency'' and ``satisfaction'' were related to each other.

{\it Design:} A prospective correlative study was conducted.

{\it Method:} A consecutive series of eighty-four patients with chronic pain completed a structured interview and responded to the self-assessment instruments Sense-of-Coherence Scale (SOC-13) and Capability of Performing Daily Occupations (CPDO).

{\it Results:} Weak but significant correlation ( $p < 0.05$ ) were found between the SOC-13 sub-scale ``manageability'' and the specific occupations ``physical exercise / training'' ( $r = - 0.24$ ), ``climb stairs'' ( $r = - 0.27$ ) ``social activity'' ( $r= - 0.25$ ) and ``wash the laundry'' ( $r = - 0.30$ ), as well as between the SOC-13 sub-scale ``meaningfulness'' and the CPDO occupations ``grocery shopping'' ( $r = -0.22$ ), ``performing meals'' ( $r = - 0.24$ ), and ``wash the laundry'' ( $r = - 0.31$ ) and the CPDO question ``frequency of performing occupations'' $r = -0.22$ ). The participants' mean value (mean $=$ 58) of SOC-13 was below the other populations represented in a literature review. The mean values for CPDO (3.4--4.3) (optimal score is zero) showed that the participants perceived themselves having activity limitations concerning performance of daily occupations, and the performance area of work productive activities were experienced as more disabling. The degree to which the participants perceived themselves having a strong sense of coherence or being disabled by pain varied greatly both for the results of SOC-13 ( range 32--90 points) and CPDO (range 1.1--7.8 points).

{\it Conclusion:} The expected significant relationship between a person's sense of coherence and the performance of daily occupations was partly verified with weak significant correlations. In clinical practice the assessment instruments are suggested to be of value in rehabilitation clinics for occupational therapists who work with people with chronic pain.
Multiple regression in rehabilitation research
Authors: Dimiter Dimitrov  , Shawn Fitzgerald  , Phillip Rumrill
Published: December 2024

This article examines applications of multiple regression in rehabilitation research. The authors address the logic and assumptions of correlational research, annotated with examples from the contemporary rehabilitation and allied health literature. As a means of testing relationships between a set of independent variables and one dependent variable, multiple regression is presented as a flexible and useful data analytic strategy.
Functional testing: Approaches and injury management	integration
Authors: Laurie J. Johnson  , Margot Miller
Published: December 2024

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) have become the standard for identifying an individual's physical abilities and/or limitations following injury or illness. While philosophies and approaches differ, the focus of most FCE systems is to identify the individual's maximum capabilities. This article will discuss the usefulness of the FCE information and how FCEs are impacted by multiple factors including APTA guidelines, machine based testing, therapist expertise, medical legal credibility and court testimony, IMEs and FCE, and return to work/return to function.
Disability management and functional capacity evaluations: A	dynamic resource
Authors: Janalee Reineke Lyth
Published: December 2024

Functional capacity evaluation (FCE), as an objective resource for disability managers, is an invaluable tool in the return to work process. Effective communication of expectations between the employee, employer, medical providers, disability management team, and the FCE provider contributes to enhancing the benefits of the FCE to all participants. Careful review of the results of the FCE as compared to the employee's other pertinent medical/functional information provides clarity for that person's rehabilitation goals and RTW potential. Finally, future opportunities and proactive uses for the FCE are shared.
The value of functional and work place assessments in achieving a	timely return to work for workers with back pain
Authors: Eva Schonstein  , Dianna T. Kenny
Published: December 2024

This paper reviews the current status of functional capacity evaluations in the assessment of workers with low back pain. Conceptual and practical difficulties are discussed and a new model that we call Work Capacity Evaluation (WCE) is proposed. Specific reference is made to the role of the medical practitioner in the process of injury management.
The power of outcomes: FOTO Industrial Outcomes Tool -- Initial	assessment
Authors: D.L. Hart
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective.} To demonstrate how outcomes assessment can assist in describing clients receiving rehabilitation in occupational health rehabilitation clinics and to describe the preliminary assessment of internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the FOTO Industrial Outcomes Tool.

{\it Methods.} 266 adults referred for acute work rehabilitation (AWR), work conditioning/hardening (WC/WH) or a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) comprised the data set. Clients were treated between July 1998 and January 1999 in 15 clinics from 6 states by 46 clinicians participating in the Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes (FOTO) national rehabilitation database beta test. For AWR and WC/WH, clients completed a health status questionnaire on intake and discharge, and health status was assessed prior to the FCE. Comprehensive demographic data were collected describing the clinics, clinicians, clients and work status collected 2 weeks following discharge.

{\it Results.} Internal consistency reliability coefficients for the health status scores ranged from 0.57 to 0.89. Construct validity was supported.

{\it Conclusion.} Results demonstrate the power of collecting outcomes from a variety of constructs for clients receiving industrial rehabilitation services. Initial reliability and construct validity findings were adequate and support continuing data analyses.
Qualitative research strategies in rehabilitation
Authors: Connie J. McReynolds  , Lynn C. Koch  , Phillip D. Rumrill, Jr.
Published: December 2024

This article presents an overview of the qualitative research methods that social scientists use to explore human phenomena. The authors describe the philosophical and historical foundations of qualitative research, coupled with illustrations of specific qualitative designs. Applications of qualitative methods in the contemporary rehabilitation literature are also presented.
Improving work programs' delivery of information and service to	workers' compensation carriers
Authors: Pohlman Jill , Poosawtsee Christine , Gerndt Kevin , Lindstrom-Hazel Debra
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the results of a telephone survey of workers' compensation carriers, addressing how occupational therapy work programs can best meet these carriers' needs. Fifty percent of the market share of workers' compensation carriers in Michigan participated in the survey. Survey results indicated that workers' compensation carriers found Functional Capacity Evaluations, job analyses, and work hardening to be important work rehabilitation services. A significant portion of the respondents (88%) that they recognized the need for clinically successful work rehabilitation programs and indicated that if they had return to work rates for different providers, they would utilize providers that had the most successful outcome data in a specific geographical area. Occupational therapists can use these survey results to improve their services and communication with insurance to ensure that injured workers will continue to have access to the efficacious interventions occupational therapists provide in work rehabilitation.
Psychophysical rating of library employees' work tasks
Authors: Lange Tanya M. de , Allen Shelley M. , Maas Frikkie
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} This exploratory research aimed to identify the perceived physical demands of library assistants' and attendants' work tasks.

{\it Study design:} A fixed format survey was completed by 36 library assistants and attendants from suburban and university libraries. Surveys were distributed and completed within the participants' workplaces. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's r correlations were calculated using the SPSS data analysis program.

{\it Results:} Data analysis revealed a hierarchical distribution of library assistants' and attendants' work tasks according to perceived physical demands. Significant Pearson's r correlations between personal factors and perceived exertion during some work tasks, were also identified.

{\it Conclusions:} The hierarchical distribution of tasks revealed by this research can be used as a guide by therapists in designing graded suitable duties programs for library assistants and attendants following work-related injuries. Further task analysis is required to identify the critical physical requirements of those tasks receiving higher ratings of perceived exertion.
Reliability in rehabilitation measurement
Authors: Dimitrov Dimiter , Rumrill Phillip , Fitzgerald Shawn , Hennessey Mary
Published: December 2024

The article examines reliability as a key component of the psychometric properties of tests and inventories. What is reliability, types of reliability, why is reliability important, and other reliability issues are addressed in a manner that will help {\it Work} readers to better understand and apply psychometric considerations in the context of rehabilitation research. The authors contend that reliability is an essential condition for the psychometric soundness of measurement instruments that are used in rehabilitation research and practice.
Autism, employment, and the role of occupational therapy
Authors: Capo Leisa C.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature to generate guidelines for the role of occupational therapy in employment for persons with autism. Previous research about strengths and barriers to employment, and types of employment commonly offered to persons with autism are reviewed. The supported employment model is identified as the most productive approach for use with this population. The four approaches to the supported employment model and the best practice contributions of several innovative supported employment programs are discussed. The interdisciplinary team approach is best to assist persons with autism to gain employment and ensure success on the job. The role of the occupational therapist as a beneficial team member in assessment, job development, job placement and training, and supported employment is outlined.
The best practice for gaining and maintaining employment for	individuals with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Holzberg Emily
Published: December 2024

There are currently 5.3 million Americans with traumatic brain injury, the majority were young at onset and have a lengthy life expectancy. Return to work is a key to quality of life for many of these individuals. This article provides a literature review of current traumatic brain injury vocational rehabilitation programs including: holistic cognitive rehabilitation, school to work transition, and supportive employment followed by a proposal for the best practice.
Disability and job stress: Implications for vocational	rehabilitation planning
Authors: Merz Mary Ann , Bricout John C. , Koch Lynn C.
Published: December 2024

Because people with disabilities often experience an increased risk for physical and psychological complications of job stress, vocational rehabilitation professionals must be able to (a) identify individual and work-environmental risk factors for job stress and (b) design appropriate interventions to minimize those risk factors. The purpose of this article is to (a) present two models of occupational stress, (b) examine factors common to each of these models that are associated with employee health and well-being, and (c) suggest implications for rehabilitation planning.