FACTORS RELATED TO OUTCOME FOLLOWING A WORK-HARDENING PROGRAM

The purpose of this study was to determine factors related to a return to work following the completion of a work hardening program. Data fr om the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta Millard Rehabilitation C entre for 1527 discharges, collected over 22 months, were examined ret rospectively Factors related to return to work were compared bivariate ly using logistic regression procedures. A multiple logistic regressio n model for return to work was also determined. The principle predicto r of return to work was job-attached status to the pre-injury employer Other factors related to return to work were education, primary diagn osis, injury to admission time, job attachment to the pre-accident emp loyer employer's annual payroll, and vocational direction. Due to the strength of the association between job-attached status to the pre-inj ury employer and a return to work, it was concluded that attempts to m aintain this relationship should be a priority for rehabilitation prov iders and insurance carriers.