February/March 2008 (vol. 04/5)

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Research Plus

RTW case management competencies

A literature search identified 40 papers on the impact of return-to-work (RTW) coordinators in preventing workplace disability (RTW coordinator covered a range of job titles, including case manager and disability prevention specialist). Most studies focused on musculoskeletal conditions or work injuries. Six preliminary competency domains were identified: ergonomic and workplace assessment; clinical interviewing; social problem solving; workplace mediation; knowledge of business and legal aspects; and knowledge of medical conditions. Successful RTW coordination depended more on competencies in ergonomic job accommodation, communication, and conflict resolution than on medical training.

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2007; online first: DOI: 10.1007/s10926-007-9115-y  http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10926-007-9115-y

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Occupational Health at Work February/March 2008 (vol. 04/5) pp36