Return to Work Doesn’t Happen By Accident: Mitigating Worklessness and Improving the Recovery Journey

Monday
1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grand Ballrooms 13 & 14
Convention Level


Needless time away from work after injury is often the result of inconsistent or ineffective health care management, with the employee, employer, and society bearing the cost. Engaging early and looking beyond physical injury can positively impact overall recovery outcomes. With the right tools, industry professionals can help restore confidence and ensure injured workers are emotionally and mentally ready to move through their recovery journey. The longer it takes for an injured worker to receive treatment, the less likely they are to return to work. In fact, recent data points to the debilitating effects of worklessness. While the likelihood of an individual returning to work is 90% at three months, the percentage steadily decreases after six months to 55%, one year to 32% and two years to 5%. This session will introduce the American Physical Therapy Association Clinical Practice Guideline, “Optimizing Work Participation After Injury or Illness, The Role of Physical Therapists,” co-authored by Michelle Despres, which analyzes how to address work rehabilitation and identify ways to manage an injured worker’s behavioral or physical barriers.

Panel:
Michelle Despres, PT, CEASII, REAS, CETS
Vice President, Physical Therapy, National Clinical Leader
One Call
Jacksonville, FL

Marcos Iglesias, MD, MMM, FAAFP, FACOEM
Chief Medical Director, Vice President
Travelers
Hartford, CT

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