Work - Volume 35, issue 3

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0987

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 243-245, 2010

Authors: Shaw, Lynn | Prodinger, Birgit | Jacobs, Karen | Shaw, Nathan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: A historical review of the editorial board and the founding editor of {WORK}: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation was conducted to examine the understanding of the editorship and contributions of this team to the knowledge in {WORK}. Participants: The team of four authors worked together to identify an approach to evaluate the contributions and impact of {WORK's} editorial board (EB) on the journal's scholarship. The editor-in-chief (EIC) and editorial board members …were participants in this evaluation. Methods: Informative and formative evaluations were used to investigate how knowledge was shaped through the development of an epistemic community of scholars in the field of work. Metrics of the EB composition and participation in the journal as well as surveys and interviews with the board and the editor-in-chief were analyzed. Results: The EB represents an international community of scholars with a common interest in work and who contribute academically both within {WORK} and beyond. The epistemic community that has evolved through the editorial board represents a pluralistic perspective on work that is needed to inform practice, and knowledge. Conclusion: Future directions to continue to advance knowledge through {WORK's} editorial board and EIC are elaborated. Show more

Keywords: Knowledge development, epistemic community, sociology of knowledge

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0988

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 247-255, 2010

Authors: Shaw, Lynn | Campbell, Heather | Jacobs, Karen | Prodinger, Birgit

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this review was to gain an understanding of the first 20 years of contributions to WORK within the assessment domain and to reflect on the perspectives underscoring this knowledge base. Method: A narrative review of assessment articles using the WORK ARTicle database was conducted. Assessment articles were searched using issues from 1990 to 2009. Descriptive data was analyzed to examine historical trends of the specific types and dimensions of articles, the regional location of …the contributions, and the methodological accordance. A reflective process was used by an editorial board member of WORK to inductively interpret perspectives and contextual issues that underpinned the evolution of the assessment domain in WORK. Results: Over half of $N=$ 108 of the articles on assessment in WORK focused on establishing or reporting reliability and validity of assessments used in clinical practice or evaluation research. The majority of the assessment articles were predominantly focused on the person. Contributions of articles were from 5 regions: North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. Conclusions: Assessment articles in WORK have contributed to the development of evidence to support assessment of the worker. These articles represent a knowledge base that emphasizes evidence-based assessments to evaluate what a person can and cannot do to participate in work. Efforts are needed to expand knowledge generation in assessment to include more evaluations on the workplace and occupation dimensions, and that also considers the worker in context. Show more

Keywords: Knowledge base, evaluation, descriptive, evidence base, international

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0989

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 257-267, 2010

Authors: Ravenek, Michael J. | Bryson-Campbell, Mikelle M. | Shaw, Lynn | Hughes, Ian D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this review was to describe the low back pain (LBP) knowledge base developed in WORK and to discuss its relevance to current perspectives in the broader literature on LBP and employment. Method: A scoping review of the literature in WORK on LBP and employment was conducted using published articles from 1990–2009. Articles were organized into geographical regions and summarized for contributions to the domains of WORK: prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation. …Methodological accordance of the articles was also assessed. Results: Fifty articles were extracted and organized into contributions from authors within North America (n=34) and outside North America (n=16). In total there were 26 prevention, 7 assessment, and 12 rehabilitation articles in this review. Five articles were also classified as 'understanding' articles. More than half of the articles retrieved employed quantitative methodology. Conclusions: WORK has contributed a broad realm of publications to the knowledge base on LBP and employment. Two thirds of the articles were contributed from authors within North America, with a greater emphasis on prevention. This article highlights the similarities and differences in the international knowledge base in the management of LBP in WORK. Future directions for research are elaborated drawing on current perspectives of two experts on the management of LBP. Show more

Keywords: Scoping review, employment, musculoskeletal back pain, knowledge base

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0990

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 269-282, 2010

Authors: Gangapersad, Janelle | Brouwer, Andrea | Kurilsky, Sasha | Willis, Elizabeth | Shaw, Lynn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Chronic pain such as arthritis has a significant impact on occupational performance in the workplace that contributes to decreased productivity, reduced rates of employment, personal and societal economic costs. In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of WORK, a scoping review was conducted to understand the knowledge base on chronic pain. The purpose of this was to examine and describe WORK's contribution to the literature relevant for rehabilitation professionals such as occupational therapists to improve work …related outcomes for persons experiencing chronic pain. Method: The method employed the use of historical, citation and dimension analyses of assessment and intervention articles. Results: Of the 30 articles identified in WORK, the historical analysis of their scope indicated an international representation of authors and a greater emphasis on quantitative study designs. The citation analysis revealed that the articles in WORK drew heavily on medical literature to inform their studies. The dimensional analysis of the assessment and intervention articles applied an occupational lens of self-care, productivity and leisure, to draw upon the Occupational Competence Model and identified that the majority of papers focused on 2 or more dimensions of the person, environment and occupation. Conclusions: WORK has contributed to the knowledge base of assessment and intervention approaches that inform work rehabilitation strategies for individuals with chronic pain. To advance its knowledge base for the rehabilitation and management of chronic pain, WORK is encouraged to include more prevention and multidimensional interventions articles, as well as articles that contain multidimensional assessment tools that address both clinical and outcome assessments of chronic pain. Additionally internal dialogue should be encouraged within WORK so that new authors build on previous submissions and increase the impact and quality of research on chronic pain as it pertains to work. Show more

Keywords: Work readiness, return to work, work accommodations, assessment, intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0991

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 283-299, 2010

Authors: Prodinger, Birgit | Magalhães, Lilian

Article Type: Research Article

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. Show more

Keywords: Scoping review, return to work, workers with injury, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0992

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 301-318, 2010

Authors: Lysaght, Rosemary | Donnelly, Catherine | Luong, Dorothy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Strategies for the restoration of function and job performance in workers with musculoskeletal disorders have changed considerably since industrial rehabilitation became a distinct specialization in the 1980s. A rich body of research concerning approaches to medical and rehabilitative management of these disorders exists, resulting in a large number of hybrid approaches worldwide. Methods: This integrative review examined the evidence base for best practices in the rehabilitation of acute musculoskeletal workplace injuries, …and also mapped the evolution of approaches over the past thirty years. Contextual factors that may have contributed to change were assessed through analysis of changing practice trends and review of descriptive literature over time. Results: A clear movement away from simplistic, unidimensional approaches towards comprehensive workplace interventions is evident. Economic concerns and growing government and insurance regulation of workplace safety and injury management were the likely drivers of change. While the contributions of various elements of disability management in the workplace were examined, many features of onsite interventions remain to be examined. Conclusions: A strong body of research has produced notable advances in management of acute musculoskeletal workplace injury. Research concerning the delivery of workplace-based interventions, the role of workplace environment factors and a range of worker outcomes will further advance knowledge in this field. Show more

Keywords: Industrial rehabilitation, occupational rehabilitation, disability management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0993

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 319-333, 2010

Authors: Leyshon, Rhysa | Chalova, Katrina | Gerson, Leigh | Savtchenko, Alex | Zakrzewski, Remik | Howie, Andrew | Shaw, Lynn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Introduction: Ergonomic interventions designed for office and computer work have become widely available and heavily marketed but there is little evidence to support their use with workers who already have a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The purpose of any ergonomic intervention can be to improve worker comfort, safety and/or productivity. The ergonomic research in secondary prevention typically focuses outcomes on improved worker comfort but less if any emphasis has been put on productivity and safety. The …purpose of this study was to determine the level and quality of evidence supporting ergonomic interventions to improve the comfort, safety and/or productivity of office workers with symptoms of MSDs. Method: A search of the ergonomic intervention literature based on MSDs of four body areas (low back, upper limb, eye and neck) was employed. The studies underwent two levels of analysis for inclusion in a best-evidence synthesis approach, which included a priori evaluation of specific interventions relative to outcomes of comfort, safety and/or productivity. Results: Twenty-seven out of 202 articles were synthesized based on relevance, quality and significant results. Only 8 articles were determined high quality and no strong levels of evidence were identified. Levels of evidence for specific ergonomic interventions ranged from insufficient to moderate. Generally outcomes were focused mostly on improved comfort of workers. Conclusions: There is still limited quality research that addresses ergonomic interventions designed for secondary prevention. Further high quality studies are needed to support evidence-based ergonomic interventions in practice. For all stakeholders to fully evaluate the usefulness of the ergonomic intervention studies need to attend to outcomes not only of worker comfort but also to productivity and safety. Show more

Keywords: Office work, intervention, musculoskeletal disorder, outcome, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0994

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 335-348, 2010

Authors: Ravenek, Michael J. | Hughes, Ian D. | Ivanovich, Nathan | Tyrer, Kevin | Desrochers, Christopher | Klinger, Lisa | Shaw, Lynn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Previous research has provided an inconsistent message as to the effectiveness of multidisciplinary programs to improve employment outcomes in clients with Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). The primary aims of this review were to: 1) update the evidence for the multidisciplinary treatment of CLBP to improve employment outcomes 2) assess what knowledge supports occupational therapy as contributing to a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of CLBP. Participants: Working-age adults experiencing CLBP who took …part in controlled trials evaluating multidisciplinary programs between July 1998 and July 2009. Methods: Updated guidelines provided by the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group (BRG) were used to perform a systematic review to identify, appraise, and synthesize research evidence relevant to our research questions. Results: Twelve unique articles were found, after a database search and citation tracking, only two of which were high quality. Our findings suggest that there is still conflicting evidence for the effectiveness of multidisciplinary programs to improve employment outcomes in CLBP. Conclusions: The results are discussed with reference to current methodological limitations found in the literature. Furthermore, occupational therapists were found to be underutilized in the included studies and future multidisciplinary programs should take advantage of the wide range of skills that occupational therapists can contribute in this practice area. Show more

Keywords: Biopsychosocial, employment, occupational therapy, back review group

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0995

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 349-367, 2010

Authors: Shaw, Lynn | Descarreaux, Martin | Bryans, Roland | Duranleau, Mireille | Marcoux, Henri | Potter, Brock | Ruegg, Rick | Watkin, Robert | White, Eleanor

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The literature relevant to the treatment of Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD) is extensive and heterogeneous. Methods: A Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach was used to engage a chiropractic community of practice and stakeholders in a systematic review to address a general question: 'Does chiropractic management of WAD clients have an effect on improving health status?' A systematic review of the empirical studies relevant to WAD interventions was conducted followed by a review of the evidence. Results: The …initial search identified 1,155 articles. Ninety-two of the articles were retrieved, and 27 articles consistent with specific criteria of WAD intervention were analyzed in-depth. The best evidence supporting the chiropractic management of clients with WAD is reported. Further review identified ways to overcome gaps needed to inform clinical practice and culminated in the development of a proposed care model: the WAD–Plus Model. Conclusions: There is a baseline of evidence that suggests chiropractic care improves cervical range of motion (cROM) and pain in the management of WAD. However, the level of this evidence relevant to clinical practice remains low or draws on clinical consensus at this time. The WAD-Plus Model has implications for use by chiropractors and interdisciplinary professionals in the assessment and management of acute, subacute and chronic pain due to WAD. Furthermore, the WAD-Plus Model can be used in the future study of interventions and outcomes to advance evidence-based care in the management of WAD. Show more

Keywords: Pain, neck, treatment, manipulation, assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-0996

Citation: Work, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 369-394, 2010