IN NEED OF EVIDENCE

摘要

Here is plenty of research evidence that various treatments and therapies individually help people recover from common ill-health conditions. And there is some evidence that workplace interventions - encompassing changes to the work design, equipment, working conditions or environment, and occupational case management - can reduce sickness absence1. But what happens when you put them all together? Scientists in Denmark and Canada reviewed evidence for what they termed 'workplace disability management (WPDM) programmes'~2- multifaceted and coordinated policies and practices implemented by employers to promote return to work (RTW) and job retention. WPDM programmes can package any number of administrative, ergonomic and therapeutic measures, such as: psychological and physical therapies; absence policies and information systems; work or workplace adjustments; temporary redeployment; disability case management; early contact when off sick; and education of staff and managers. WPDM programmes, they say,'clarify the procedures and activities for both employers and employees when an injury or illness occurs'. Employees know what is available to support their RTW, while employers'will have proper procedures and services in place on how they should register and respond to sick-listed employees and monitor initiatives towards RTW.' It sounds good.