Affiliations: Graduate Program in Health and Rehabilitation
Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada | School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western
Ontario, Elborn College, London, Ontario, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Birgit Prodinger, Graduate Program
in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Elborn
College, London, Ontario, N6G 1H1 Canada. Tel.: +1 519 661 2111 Ext. 88979;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: Many studies published in the journal {WORK} in the
recent decades have discussed work and employment trends. However, the
dimensions of these contributions over time have not been reviewed. The main
objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge development in regard
to work-related rehabilitation in WORK over the last two decades. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the following five
stages: (i) identifying research question, (ii) identifying relevant studies,
(iii) study selection, (iv) charting, summarizing, and collating the data, and
(v) reporting the results. Studies were selected from the WORK ARTicle
Database. Results: Seventy-five relevant studies were identified. The findings
reflect that WORK has published papers from across the world, with most of the
studies from the United States, Sweden, Canada, and Hong Kong. The complexity
and multi-factorial nature of work-related rehabilitation was reflected in the
application of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research approaches,
as well as case studies. Study participants were characterized by work, and
non-work related injuries, systematic diseases/chronic illness, fulfilled
certain socio-demographic characteristic, and represented various stakeholders.
Fewer studies drew on secondary resources. In the findings one re-occurring
theme has been noted: 'maintaining/obtaining/returning to secure and stable
employment/work'. Conclusions: Four key-reflections evolved from this scoping review
that provide potential avenues for future research. These key-reflections
include (i) the national, transnational and international dimension of the
reviewed studies, (ii) the various societal levels informing work-related
rehabilitation practices, (iii) the diversity of methodologies applied in
current research, and (iv) the variability of terminology used within the
reviewed studies. The journal WORK has published a variety of research over the
last two decades and contributed significantly to our current understanding of
work-related rehabilitation. However, further research in these reflective
areas would expand the current knowledge base.
Keywords: Scoping review, return to work, workers with injury, employment
