To avoid re-injuries and psychologically disabled workers, many hospitals have developed some type of transitional modified work duty program, in which injured workers do a minimally strenuous job in the hospital while they rehabilitate. When these syndromes are avoided, workers compensation claims and liability suits against employers can often be prevented. If we have injured workers who can't do their jobs but can file papers, we find a job they can do until they recover and, in some cases, send them to therapy for part of their work day. At West Florida, all worker injuries are reported to the occupational health nurse within 24 hours and a search for a modified work duty job starts immediately. Staff performing modified work duty check in weekly with the occupational health nurse, who follows their progress and advises when return to full duty is acceptable.
Time is of the essence when it comes to initiating rehabilitation after a back injury.
Delays in care send the opposite message and encourage the worker to develop a disabled mindset. There is some debate, however, over whether rehabilitation is most effective when done outside the hospital at a dedicated pain or back clinic or in-house in the physical therapy department. Others say physical therapy departments can provide good consultative services on musculoskeletal injury, but are not equipped to be a primary rehabilitation provider. All rights reserved. Disclaimer Please read our Terms of Use .