Role of health-care providers in the workers’ compensation system and return-to-work process

Reasons for the study

International research has generated strong evidence that health-care providers play an important role in the return-to-work (RTW) process. This research also suggests that health-care providers sometimes struggle with facilitating the return to work of their patients. Pressure on consultation time, administrative challenges and limited knowledge about a patient’s workplace can thwart active engagement. This two-year study focuses on the experiences of health-care providers within the workers’ compensation system and how their role in the RTW process can be enhanced.

Objectives of the study

• To identify programs, guidelines, forms and policies developed by workers’ compensation boards designed to facilitate the engagement of health-care providers in the RTW process
• To understand the perceived role of health-care providers in the RTW process, including the challenges they face related to interacting with workers’ compensation boards, injured workers, employers and other health-care providers
• To find practical ways of facilitating the meaningful engagement of health-care providers in RTW

Anticipated results/impact

The results of this study will be relevant to health-care providers, disability prevention policy-makers, case managers and RTW coordinators. The findings will help identify policies and practices that facilitate health-care provider involvement in RTW.