Results of a Survey Regarding the Implementation of Work-Related Medical Rehabilitation for Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders: Evaluation and Training of Work-Related Functional Capacity

Abstract

Although work-related medical rehabilitation (WMR) has been established as a component of the rehabilitative care system for some time, particularly in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, studies indicated strong heterogeneity regarding the implementation of the guideline for WMR in Germany. This study is the first to examine the implementation of work-related functional capacity training and the preceding work-related diagnostics based on a nationwide survey of WMR health care professionals. Rehabilitation facilities (n=317) authorized to carry out WMR in patients with musculoskeletal disorders were invited to participate in a nationwide survey. 86 of 317 facilities responded to the self-developed questionnaire and met the inclusion criteria. 67% of the WMR facilities described a systematic use of functional capacity evaluation (FCE) at the beginning of rehabilitation in at least 50% of the rehabilitants. 70% stated that they systematically matched abilities and work demands. Furthermore, 57% reported that profile comparisons were used to tailor training of work-related functional capacity. The training itself was provided to at least every second rehabilitant with a total duration of 360 minutes or more in about every second facility. The FCE procedures and the work-related functional capacity training were primarily carried out by occupational therapists. Work-related diagnostics and the work-related functional capacity training are often but not yet always implemented in line with the guideline for WMR. Promoting interdisciplinarity seems to be a promising approach regarding the further development of WMR.