Work-Focused Health Care: The Role of Physical Therapists
Article
Article Title | Work-Focused Health Care: The Role of Physical Therapists |
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ERA Journal ID | 16761 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Hutting, Nathan, Boucaut, Rose, Gross, Douglas P, Heerkens, Yvonne F Heerkens, Johnston, Venerina, Skamagki, Glykeria and Stigmar, Kjerstin |
Journal Title | Physical Therapy |
Journal Citation | 100 (12), pp. 2231-2236 |
Number of Pages | 6 |
Year | Dec 2020 |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Place of Publication | United States |
ISSN | 0031-9023 |
1538-6724 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa166 |
Web Address (URL) | https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/100/12/2231/5905254 |
Abstract | Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are characterized by pain and reduced physical functioning that often results in decreased quality of life. Work-related MSDs are health problems in which working conditions (ie, physically demanding or repetitive activities or a poor work environment) significantly contribute to the onset or progression of the disorder but are not necessarily the sole cause. Even if work-related environmental factors do not directly cause MSDs, the symptoms can be work relevant (ie, the work can influence the symptoms, or the symptoms can affect the ability to work). Work-related MSDs are burdensome to patients, employers, and society, as they are associated with high rates of disability, absenteeism, presenteeism, loss of productivity, longer recovery timeframes, and workers’ compensation costs. In this Point of View, we argue that physical therapists treating patients with MSDs should adopt a work-focused approach. There is ample evidence showing that being employed is associated with better health.1 Physical therapists can improve the health-related quality of life for patients with MSDs through adopting a work-focused approach and promoting participation in work. |
Keywords | Work-focused Health Care; Occupational Health; Musculoskeletal Disorders; Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders; Physical Therapy |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420106. Physiotherapy |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | HAN University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands |
University of South Australia | |
University of Alberta, Canada | |
University of Queensland | |
Coventry University, United Kingdom | |
Lund University, Sweden |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/x4204/work-focused-health-care-the-role-of-physical-therapists
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