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 focused 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
Related scientific publications
- Yanar B, Kosny A, Lifshen M. Perceived role and expectations of health care providers in return to work. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2019;29(1):212-221. doi:10.1007/s10926-018-9781-y.
- Kosny A, Lifshen M, MacEachen E, Furlan AD, Koehoorn M, Beaton DE, Cooper J, Neis B. What are physicians told about their role in return to work and workers' compensation systems? An analysis of Canadian resources. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety. 2018;17(1):78-89. doi:10.1080/14773996.2018.1465264.
- Kosny A, Lifshen M, Yanar B, Tonima S, MacEachen E, Furlan AD, Koehoorn M, Beaton DE, Cooper J, Neis B. The role of healthcare providers in return to work. International Journal of Disability Management. 2018;13:e3. doi:10.1017/idm.2018.4.
- Kosny A, Lifshen M, Tonima S, Yanar B, Russell E, MacEachen E, Neis B, Koehoorn M, Beaton DE, Furlan AD, Cooper J. Role of health-care providers in the workers' compensation system and the return-to-work process: final report. Institute for Work & Health; 2016.
- Kosny A, Lifshen M, Tonima S, Yanar B, Russell E, MacEachen E, Neis B, Koehoorn M, Beaton DE, Furlan AD, Cooper J. Role of health-care providers in the workers' compensation system and the return-to-work process: executive summary. Institute for Work & Health; 2016.
Related interviews and articles
- Getting back on one's feet. OHS Canada: Annex Newcom (Toronto, ON). February 22, 2017. Available from: http://www.ohscanada.com/features/getting-back-ones-feet/
- Health professionals report uncertainty over roles in RTW of workers with complex injuries . At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 87, Winter 2017.
- Doctors frustrated workers’ compensation boards seem to ignore medical opinions, report says. The Toronto Star: Torstar Publishing (Toronto, ON). January 9, 2017. Available from: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/01/09/doctors-frustrated-workers-compensation-boards-seem-to-ignore-medical-opinions-report-says.html
- Study looks at relationship between employers and doctors in return to work. OHS Insider: Bongarde Media (Penticton, BC). April 6, 2016. Available from: https://ohsinsider.com/search-by-index/return-to-work/study-looks-at-relationship-between-employers-doctors-in-return-to-work
IWH Speaker Series presentations
- Health-care providers and their role in return to work. IWH Speaker Series. February 7, 2017.
- What are physicians told about their role in return to work?. IWH Speaker Series. November 1, 2016.
Project status
Completed 2017
Research team
Participating organizations
Office of the Employer Adviser (Ontario)
St. Boniface Hospital (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba
WorkSafeBC
Funded by
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba