Research Plus

Early rehab systematic review

A systematic review found moderate evidence that multimodal vocational rehabilitation reduces the risk of disability pension and that return-to-work programmes decrease sickness absence spells lasting longer than six months. There is weak evidence that multimodal interventions based on medical treatment combined with early vocational rehabilitation increase job and physical wellbeing and decrease sick leave. There is insufficient evidence on the impact of early rehabilitation methods – such as education, counselling and exercise – when applied as the sole intervention.

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2008; 40: 796–804  http://medicaljournals.se/jrm/content/?doi=10.2340/16501977-0270

Tags evidence based practice Rehabilitation Return to work

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2008/2009 (vol. 05/4) pp41