Factors associated with graduated return to work following injury in a road traffic crash

This study sought to identify those likely to follow a GRTW pathway, and identify factors associated with successful GRTW. Administrative claims data from a state-based compulsory third party transport injury insurer were used. Individuals whose crash occurred from 2003–2012 were included if aged 15–70 years at time of crash, sustained a non-catastrophic injury, had complete data for all variables and attempted a RTW in the three years follow-up. A matrix was created using income payments data, which were used as a proxy for RTW, to map their RTW pattern for up to three years post-crash. Individuals were flagged as attempting GRTW if patterns were detected for receiving full income payments, followed by partial payments, then none. Individuals who resumed full payments after a period of partial payments or resumed any payments after a period of no payments were flagged as having relapsed. In the three years follow-up, 9.6% of individuals followed a GRTW pathway. Of those that attempted GRTW for their first full-time RTW, 55.1% relapsed. Least likely to attempt GRTW were males, individuals with contusions, abrasions, sprains, strains, non-limb fractures and those from the most advantaged socioeconomic group. Conversely, those admitted to hospital were 88% more likely to relapse. Of those that followed a GRTW pathway, those aged 15–24 years were most likely to succeed. Those with whiplash, internal injuries and those admitted to hospital were least likely to succeed. This...
Source: Journal of Transport and Health - Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research