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Multi-disciplinary Orthopaedics Rehabilitation Empowerment (MORE) program: A new standard of care for injured workers in Hong Kong.

Authors :
Law, S. W.
Szeto, G. P. Y.
Chau, W. W.
Carol Chan
Kwok, Anthony W. L.
Lai, H. S.
Lee, Ryan K. L.
Griffith, James F.
Hung, L. K.
Cheng, J. C. Y.
Source :
Journal of Back & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2016, Vol. 29 Issue 3, p503-513. 11p.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of the Multi-disciplinary Orthopaedics Rehabilitation Empowerment (MORE) Program on reducing chronic disability among injured workers and improving efficiency of work rehabilitation process. METHODS:A cohort of patients with workplace injuries in the lower back were recruited from orthopaedics clinics and assigned to either MORE group (n = 139) or control group (n = 106). Patients in MORE group received an early MRI screening and a coordinated multi-disciplinary management, while patients in the control group received conventional care. Outcome variables are time to return-to-work (RTW) from date of injury, waiting time for MRI screening and time to medical assessment board (MAB). RESULTS: Patients in the MORE Program had significantly shorter duration for RTW (MORE: 6.1 months, Control: 12.8 months, p < 0.01), and more RTW cases (n = 64, 46.0%) compared to Control group (n = 29, 27.4%). The MORE group also had much shorter waiting time for MRI scans (91.85 vs. 309.2 days, p <0.001) and MAB referral after MRI scans (97.2 vs. 178.9 days, p = 0.001) compared to Control group. CONCLUSIONS: The MORE Program which emphasizes early intervention and early MRI screening, is shown to be effective in shortening sick leave and improving RTW outcomes of injured workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10538127
Volume :
29
Issue :
3
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Back & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
117529829
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-150650