Effectiveness of workplace-based return-to-work programs: a systematic review update
Reasons for the study
A systematic review of workplace-based return-to-work (RTW) interventions was carried out by the Institute and published in 2004. The review included studies published between January 1990 and December 2003. This project updated that original work using an enlarged scope of review to examine the process dimensions of workplace-based RTW and work disability management interventions/support. This project included and updated both the quantitative and qualitative literature. The updated review facilitates the integration of high-quality best practice research evidence into the development of return-to-work policies and programs.
Objectives of the study
- To update the quantitative and qualitative research on the effectiveness of workplace-based RTW programs
- To update the Seven ‘Principles’ for Successful Return to Work guide based on the findings, if necessary
Related research summaries
- What workplace interventions help workers with MSDs, pain and mental health conditions return to work?. Sharing Best Evidence: Institute for Work & Health, December 2019.
Related scientific publications
- Cullen KL, Irvin E, Collie A, Clay F, Gensby U, Jennings P, Hogg-Johnson S, Kristman VL, Laberge M, McKenzie D, Newnam S, Palagyi A, Ruseckaite R, Sheppard DM, Shourie S, Steenstra I, Van Eerd D, Amick B. Effectiveness of workplace interventions in return-to-work for musculoskeletal, pain-related and mental health conditions: an update of the evidence and messages for practitioners. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2018;28(1):1–15. doi:10.1007/s10926-016-9690-x. (Open access)
- Cullen KL, Irvin E, Gensby U, Jennings P, Hogg-Johnson S, Kristman VL, Laberge M, McKenzie D, Newnam S, Shourie S, Steenstra I, Van Eerd D, Amick B. Effective workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review update. Institute for Work & Health; 2017.
Related interviews and articles
- Making the best of RTW interventions. Canadian HR Reporter: Thomson Reuters (Toronto, ON). April 17, 2017. Available from: https://www.iwh.on.ca/sites/iwh/files/iwh/reports/chrr_making_the_best_of_rtw_interventions_2017.pdf
- Effective workplace return-to-work interventions are multi-faceted: IWH review. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 87, Winter 2017.
IWH Speaker Series presentations
- Systematic review of the quantitative literature on RTW interventions. IWH Speaker Series. March 31, 2015.
Project status
Completed 2017
Research team
Collaborators and partners
- Infrastructure Health & Safety Association
- Injured Workers’ Consultants
- Ontario Public Service Employees Union
- Public Services Health and Safety Association
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
- Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
- Workplace Safety North
Funded by
Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research