Promote Work Ability Research Articles

Work-related stress is associated with low work ability, but not with poor self-rated health: A cross-sectional study in primary healthcare.

People seeking care at primary healthcare centres may be exposed to work-related stress, increasing the risk of future sick leave. Thus, it is important to identify work-related stress, and to explore how stress relates to work ability and health. To investigate the association between work-related stress and a) work ability, and b) self-rated health, among working women and men seeking care for physical or mental health complaints. This cross-sectional study analyzed baseline data (n = 232) from a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a brief intervention to prevent sick leave. Data regarding work-related stress, work ability and self-rated health were analyzed using binary logistic regression models. In models adjusted for age, gender and education, high work-related stress measured by the Work Stress Questionnaire was significantly associated with low work ability. The highest odds ratio (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.66-6.42) was found between the domain "interference between work and leisure time" and work ability, suggesting a more than three times higher odds for low work ability when perceiving that work interferes with leisure time. No significant association was found between work-related stress and self-rated health. Health professionals should explore patients' work-related stress when they seek care for physical or mental complaints in primary healthcare. Patients' perceived balance between work and leisure time seems particularly important to address. Increased awareness might facilitate timely, relevant strategies to reduce stress and promote work ability.

Support from Physicians as a Key Enabling Factor for Rehabilitation Utilization in Migrants with Back Pain: A Longitudinal Analysis

In Germany, medical rehabilitation is provided to promote work ability and health in the case of chronic illness and to avoid early disability pensions. Studies have shown that employees with a history of migration are less likely to seek medical rehabilitation. The aim of this paper was to examine which factors influence the use of medical rehabilitation services in migrants with back pain.We used data from a German cohort study also including migrant employees aged 45 to 59 years. Participants reported back pain in the last 3 months and completed a baseline questionnaire in 2017. Data on rehabilitation utilization was extracted from administrative records covering the period until the end of 2018. Proportional hazard models were fitted to identify factors that were associated with utilized rehabilitation measures.Data of 552 participants were included, and 25 individuals utilized rehabilitation during follow-up. Sex (women: HR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.10; 8.45), higher job insecurity (HR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00; 1.03), support from physicians and therapists (HR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.52; 3.24), proportion of foreigners (HR = 3.27; 1.17; 9.15), and the self-reported need for rehabilitation (HR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.12; 8.60) were associated with utilization.In summary, informational and practical support provided by physicians and therapists on medical rehabilitation services seems to be a key predictor of rehabilitation utilization. Our findings, therefore, support the call for transcultural competence to be more widely incorporated into the education of medical and health professionals to counteract health care disparities.

”Mihin rajaan saakka vapautta voi olla?”

“Where are the limits of freedom?” – Paradoxes of multiple jobholding for the system of work ability promotion Multiple jobholding (MJH) becomes more common as the complexity of societies increases. Previous research has focused mainly on the individual level study of causes and consequences of MJH. This study contributes to the literature applying the framework of paradoxes to analyse the challenges of MJH from the perspective of work ability management. Thematic interviews were conducted with 42 persons representing different stakeholders. Qualitative content analysis was used as a research method. The interviewed persons reported numerous challenges in MJH, mainly concerning the flow of information between different stakeholders. The identified paradoxes arise from the prevailing societal assumption of each employee having a single long-term full-time job. While the promotion of work ability is organised by individual employers, it poorly fits the diverse and complex situations of MJH.

Factors associated with work ability among employees of an Italian university hospital

BackgroundA growing body of evidence clearly documents the benefits of integrated systems approaches to protecting and promoting the safety, health and well-being of workers. The purpose of this study is to provide a holistic view of the work ability of employees of an Italian University Hospital measuring their resources in relation to job demands. In particular, it examines socio-demographics, family and organizational antecedents of health professionals’ work ability.MethodsA survey was conducted to assess the work ability of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses and administrative staff, working at the University Hospital of Modena (Italy). The data collection allows us to get a sample of 443 workers, who correspond to 11% of the target population. The data were analyzed using preliminary statistics on the main characteristics of the sample in terms of work ability, socio-demographic variables, family and organizational characteristics. In addition, logit models of the likelihood of having high work ability were estimated using SPSS version 25.ResultsWork ability decreases with increasing age, comorbidity, high body mass index, having at least one child under 5 and/or a dependent adult, having a poor work-life balance, and doing more than 20 h of housework. Specific job resources can significantly promote work ability, including relationship-oriented leadership, autonomy in decision making and individuals’ skill match. The nursing profession is associated with a low work ability. Finally, a significant gender gap has been documented. Women find it more difficult to reconcile life and work, especially when they have children of preschool age and work in professions with greater responsibilities, as in the case of women doctors, who experience lower work capacity.ConclusionsOur results suggest that it is necessary to consider other factors, in addition to age, that are equally relevant in influencing work ability. Consequently, organisational interventions could be implemented to improve the work ability of all workers. In addition, we propose targeted interventions for groups at risk of reduced work capacity, in particular older workers (45 years and over), nurses, women with children of preschool age and in the position of physician.

Are Trajectories of Preferred Retirement Ages Associated with Health, Work Ability and Effort–Reward Imbalance at Work? Findings from a 6-Year Swedish Longitudinal Study

Abstract Preferred retirement age (PRA) is one key dimension when studying retirement decision-making. However, little is known concerning how PRA develops over the late career years. This study used a person-centered approach to longitudinally investigate trajectories of PRA and how they differ in self-rated health, perceived work ability, and effort–reward imbalance (ERI) at baseline levels and over 6 years. The study used data from four waves (2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016) of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health. The sample consisted of 1,510 individuals aged 50–55 in 2010, who answered to the questionnaire for those in paid work (including self-employment) at the baseline and at least one of the following waves. Results from the latent class growth curve modeling show both within- and between-person variability in PRA over the 6-year span. We found four distinct trajectories, which differed both at the baseline levels and in the patterns of change in PRA: “C1: normative, relatively stable PRA” (42% of all participants); “C2: considerably early, increasing PRA” (6% of the participants); “C3: late, relatively stable PRA” (4% of the participants); and “C4: early, increasing PRA” (49% of the participants). Participants revealed a clear preference for retirement before the age of 65. Trajectories comprising earlier PRA showed poorer self-rated health, poorer work ability, and higher levels of ERI at the baseline and over time. The findings reinforce the importance of healthy work environments that promote work ability and facilitate a balance between efforts and rewards for encouraging longer working lives.

Associations between psychosocial factors and work ability in a Tunisian electricity and gas company

IntroductionWork ability can be influenced by numerous factors, particularly psychosocial ones. These latter can be individual psychosocial factors but also psychosocial factors at the workplace.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore psychosocial determinants of work ability among workers in a Tunisian electricity and gas company.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among 83 male workers in a Tunisian electricity and gas company. We used a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic profile, psychosocial factors assessment through the Job content questionnaire (JCQ) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software. We used the student’s test to compare means between two groups.ResultsThe mean WAI score among workers in the studied electricity and gas company was 8.96 (SD=1.37). At the time of the survey, one person out of 3 among the participants suffered from a psychological distress (37.3% with a GHQ-12 score ≥ 3). These Workers had a weaker work ability compared to those with not (p=0.033). We found also that having low social support and passive jobs were associated with low work ability (p=0.003 and p=0.005 respectively).ConclusionsMost personal and occupational psychosocial factors had significant associations with WAI in the studied company. Thus, enhancing the psychosocial environment in the workplace can promote work ability in such occupations.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Work ability and physical fitness among aging workers: the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study

BackgroundWith advancing age, physical capacity gradually decreases which may lead to decreased work ability, if the physical work requirements remain the same. Examination of the importance of physical fitness for work ability among aging workers will help to find potential strategies to promote work ability in old age. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and work ability among aging workers.MethodsAging workers (n = 288, mean age 62.5, 83% women) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study underwent cardiorespiratory, muscular fitness and functional testing. Work ability was inquired on a scale 0–10 from poor to excellent. Association between physical fitness indicators and work ability was examined using ordinary least squares regression, taking into account age, gender, occupational status, heavy physical work, body mass index and accelerometer-measured daily total physical activity.ResultsVO2peak, modified push-up test and maximal walking speed were positively associated with work ability (β = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29–0.74, β = 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.66 and β = 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.39, respectively), while chair rise test time was inversely associated with work ability (β = −0.23, 95% CI −0.39–−0.06). No associations were found between hand grip strength or sit-up test and work ability.ConclusionsCardiorespiratory fitness, upper body strength, and lower extremity function were positively associated with work ability. Good physical fitness may help to maintain work ability among aging workers.

Challenges arising for older workers from participating in a workplace intervention addressing work ability: a qualitative study from Germany

ObjectiveStudies examining what renders workplace interventions to sustain and promote work ability of older workers successful have largely neglected older workers´ perspective. This paper outlines the results of a study with regard to older workers´ experiences and expectations of a workplace intervention. Based on these findings, some reflections on how to improve the design and the implementation of workplace interventions for older workers are provided.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with older workers (N = 8) participating in a workplace intervention undertaken at one production site of a large manufacturing company in Baden-Wurttemberg/Germany. The interview guide included questions on participants´ experiences with and expectations of the intervention. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring (2014).ResultsOlder workers´ reported some challenges they face due to their participation in the workplace intervention. These resulted from the work environment (physical challenges), the work process design (new long work cycle), the work organization (tight time allowances, little job rotation, change of teams, age stereotypes) and the management of the workplace intervention (bad information, feeling of occupational insecurity and lack of being valued).ConclusionsThe study shows that challenges arising for older workers from their participation in the workplace intervention may have counteracted the promotion of work ability. As findings suggest, some of these challenges might have been avoided either by considering workers´ perspective during design and implementation of an intervention or by referring to evidence on aging and work ability.

Interventions to promote work ability by increasing physical activity among workers with physically strenuous jobs: A scoping review.

Aims: The potential benefits of workplace physical activity (PA) interventions are in improving both health and important workplace outcomes. Despite the differences in PA level between physically strenuous and inactive work, the literature reporting the effectiveness of the interventions does not usually differentiate physically active and inactive jobs. The aim of the current study was therefore to collect and synthesise research evidence on workplace PA interventions to promote work ability specifically among workers in physically strenuous jobs by means of a scoping review. Methods: The databases Medline, Cochrane Central and Scopus were used to identify interventions to promote work ability by increasing PA among workers in physically strenuous jobs. An iterative method was used to obtain an overview of the study elements and to extract details on the study design, sample, intervention, outcomes and effectiveness. Results: A total of 47 studies evaluating eight categories of interventions were found. Out of these, 18 reported significant effects on work ability. Positive results came from a range of different interventions, including aerobic exercise, strength training, combined aerobic exercise and strength training, stretching, yoga, consultation and tailored physical exercise programmes. Conclusions: Few interventions were effective in promoting work ability by increasing PA among workers in physically strenuous jobs. In particular, trials based on the demands of work, multimodal interventions and applying wearable technology are needed.

Co-operation in the prevention of work disability due to musculoskeletal disorders: A cross-sectional study among occupational health professionals in Finland.

Occupational health service (OHS) providers and their client organizations are obligated to collaborate in promoting health and work ability. Little is known how this multiprofessional co-operation is implemented in relation to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The aim of this study was to investigate the working practices of co-operation among OHS professionals, and between the OHSs and workplaces. In 2015 a web-based questionnaire was sent to 3900 OHS professionals in Finland. A total of 589 responded: 106 physicians, 322 nurses, 134 physiotherapists and 27 psychologists. The co-operation within OHS personnel was regarded to strengthen the processes to promote work ability of workers with MSD. Despite the positive expectations of co-operation, there is a problem of having enough time to put good ideas into practice. Four main possibilities to develop co-operation were identified: creating proactive working models with defined roles; increasing awareness of importance of early intervention models; implementing the principles of good OH practice; and adopting the knowledge of the latest information to promote work ability. Despite its recognized importance, co-operation both with OHS colleagues and with the workplaces was not always optimal. There is a need for defined roles and common proactive working models between each stakeholder for more effective co-operation.

Evaluation of a multimodal pain rehabilitation programme in primary care based on clinical register data: a feasibility study.

Investigate the feasibility of identifying a well-defined treatment group and a comparable reference group in clinical register data. There is insufficient knowledge on how to avert neck/back pain from turning chronic or to impair work ability. The Swedish Government implemented a national multimodal rehabilitation (MMR) programme in primary care intending to promote work ability, reduce sick leave and increase return to work. Since randomised control trial data for effect is lacking, it is important to evaluate existing observational data from clinical settings. We identified all unique patients with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) diagnoses undergoing the MMR programme in primary care in the Skåne Health care Register (n = 2140) during 2010-2011. A reference cohort in primary care (n = 56 300) with similar MSP diagnoses, same ages and the same level of sick leave before baseline was identified for the same period. The reference cohort received ordinary care and treatment in primary care. The final study group consisted of 603 eligible MMR patients and 2874 eligible reference patients. Socio-economic and health-related baseline data including sick leave one year before up to two years after baseline were compared between groups. There were significant socio-economic and health differences at baseline between the MMR and the reference patients, with the MMR group having lower income, higher morbidity and more sick leave days. Sick leave days per year decreased significantly in the MMR group (118-102 days, P < 0.001) and in the reference group (50-42 days, P < 0.001) from one year before baseline to two years after. It was not feasible to identify a comparable reference group based on clinical register data. Despite an ambitious attempt to limit selection bias, significant baseline differences in socio-economic and health were present. In absence of randomised trials, effects of MMR cannot be sufficiently evaluated in primary care.

Effects of sickness absence on disability pension risk: Finnish register study of two native groups

Abstract Background Sickness absence and disability pension have a close connection and both describe the health of working-aged populations. The aim of this paper was to study if Swedish and Finnish speakers differ in the risk of disability pension after first-time sickness absence. This may reveal new aspects how to support health and work ability promotion activities. Methods The longitudinal register data used come from Statistics Finland. They consist of random samples of 5 % of all Finnish speakers and 20 % of all Swedish speakers, observed throughout the period 1989-2010. The analyses concerned non-retired individuals aged 16-60 years who were under risk of first-time sickness absence that extended 10 days. Discrete-time hazard models were estimated to both language groups to evaluate how first-time sickness absence, time since absence, length of absence, and various socio-economic control variables affected the disability pension risk. Results The disability pension risk was extremely high immediately after the sickness absence receipt and remained elevated thereafter approximately 20 times higher as compared to non-recipients. A strong interrelation between first-time sickness absence and the risk of subsequent disability pension was found for both language groups and the risk was persistent in the very long term. The risk pattern looked similar to both Swedish and Finnish speakers and we did not observe any differences between women and men. Conclusions Paid sickness absence is illustrative of strong health selection and a notable risk for reduced work ability even in the more distant future. The currently implemented policies in Finland, which require statements about rehabilitation plans soon after individuals have entered a sickness spell, can be considered beneficial for both the individual and society. Comparison of the language groups shows that the disability pension process after sickness absence is operating similarly to both groups. Key messages Sickness absence requiring medical certificate is an indicator of possible long-term work disability. Timing of rehabilitation process during the sickness absence is critical.

Childhood adversities, parental education and disability retirement among Finnish municipal employees.

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that childhood socioeconomic position and childhood adversities influence adult health. However, the potential contribution of these factors to disability retirement is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the associations between childhood adversities, parental education and disability retirement.MethodsData on parental education and childhood adversities were derived from the Helsinki Health Study baseline survey, conducted in 2000–02 among 40- to 60-year old employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland. Data on disability retirement and their diagnoses were obtained from the Finnish Centre of Pensions and followed until the end of 2016. The analyses included 5992 employees. The associations of parental education and childhood adversities with disability retirement due to any cause, musculoskeletal diseases and mental disorders were analysed using Cox regression analysis.ResultsLow parental education was associated with an increased risk of disability retirement due to any cause (maternal education: HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.16–2.62; paternal education: 1.86, 1.38–2.51) and due to musculoskeletal diseases (maternal education: 4.44, 1.66–11.92; paternal education: 3.81, 2.02–7.17). However, adjustment for own education mainly abolished the associations. Economic difficulties in the childhood family, parental alcohol problems and having been bullied at school or by peers increased the risk of disability retirement due to all studied diagnostic groups, whereas parental death or divorce had no effect. Childhood illness (1.53, 1.20–1.95) and parental mental illness (1.68, 1.28–2.20) were associated with disability retirement due to any cause and due to mental disorders (1.65, 1.05–2.59; 3.60, 2.46–5.26). The associations between childhood adversities and disability retirement remained after adjustment for own education, whereas working conditions, and weight and health behaviours somewhat attenuated the associations.ConclusionsParental education and childhood adversities contributed to disability retirement even in midlife. Policy actions investing in children’s well-being might promote work ability in midlife.

Implementation of a Web-Based Work-Related Psychological Aftercare Program Into Clinical Routine: Results of a Longitudinal Observational Study.

BackgroundAs inpatient medical rehabilitation serves to promote work ability, vocational reintegration is a crucial outcome. However, previous Web-based trials on coping with work-related stress have been limited to Web-based recruitment of study participants.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to evaluate the implementation of an empirically supported transdiagnostic psychodynamic Web-based aftercare program GSA (Gesund und Stressfrei am Arbeitsplatz [Healthy and stress-less at the workplace])-Online plus into the clinical routine of inpatient medical rehabilitation, to identify characteristics of patients who have received the recommendation for GSA-Online plus, and to determine helpfulness of the intervention and satisfaction of the participants as well as improvement in quality of life and mental health status of the regular users of GSA-Online plus.MethodsGSA-Online plus was prescribed by physicians at termination of orthopedic psychosomatic inpatient rehabilitation. Participants’ use of the program, work-related attitudes, distress, and quality of life were assessed on the Web.ResultsIn 2 rehabilitation centers, 4.4% (112/2562) of rehabilitants got a recommendation for GSA-Online plus during inpatient rehabilitation. Compared with usual person aftercare, the Web-based aftercare program was rarely recommended by physicians. Recommendations were made more frequently in psychosomatic (69/1172, 5.9%) than orthopedic (43/1389, 3.1%) rehabilitation (χ21=11.845, P=.001, Cramér V=−0.068) and to younger patients (P=.004, d=0.28) with longer inpatient treatment duration (P<.001, r=−0.12) and extended sick leaves before inpatient medical rehabilitation (P=.004; Cramér V=0.072). Following recommendation, 77% (86/112) of rehabilitants participated in Web-based aftercare. Completers (50/86, 58%) reported statistically significant improvements between discharge of inpatient treatment and the end of the aftercare program for subjective work ability (P=.02, d=0.41), perceived stress (P=.01, d=−0.38), functioning (P=.002, d=−0.60), and life satisfaction (P=.008, d=0.42).ConclusionsPhysicians’ recommendations of Web-based aftercare are well accepted by patients who derive considerable benefits from participation. However, a low rate of prescription compared with other usual aftercare options points to barriers among physicians to prescribing Web-based aftercare.

Improving employment opportunities of the unemployed by health and work ability promotion in Finland.

The study explored the impact of self-rated health (SRH) and work ability on employment, and examined the effects of meaningfulness, social networks and physical activity on health and work ability with a population-based cross-sectional survey data (n = 12729) of full-time employed and unemployed workers. SRH, perceived work ability and levels of perceived meaningfulness, social networks and physical activity were all significantly better among employed workers compared to unemployed people. The results showed that work ability mediated the effect of health on employment and predicted employment. Meaningfulness, social networks and physical activity had direct positive effects on health and work ability, and also on employment. The results indicated that good health is a substantial element of good work ability, which in turn is needed to maintain or to get a job. Our findings suggested that perceiving one's life as meaningful, having a strong social network and being physically active are important predictors of good health as well as of good work ability. These could be contributing factors to re-employment among unemployed people.

The history of occupational health in South Korea

South Korea has experienced rapid economic development over a 60-year period, since the 1960s, rising up from the ruins of the 1950–1953 Korean War. During this short period, South Korea experienced a wide range of occupational safety and health (OSH) problems, similar to that experienced in most developed countries about 100–200 years previously. In response, the South Korean government established a national OSH services system that is on par with most developed countries. In recent years, South Korea now faces a new collection of OSH challenges, such as mental health issues, microenterprise issues, precarious workers, and the promotion of work ability in a rapidly changing socioeconomic structure. This study evaluates the establishment of South Korea’s OSH services system, including the socio-politico-economic contexts that have had a profound influence on the system during each historical period.

Examining the factorial structure, measurement invariance and convergent and discriminant validity of a novel self-report measure of work ability: work ability – personal radar

For identification of groups and domains for work ability promotion, brief self-report measure, work ability – personal radar (WA-PR), based on the ‘the house of work ability’ model is presented and psychometrically evaluated in the structural equation framework using data from technological sector (N = 3754). The house model had acceptable fit to the data. In addition, factor loadings in the model were invariant across groups, demonstrating metric invariance of the WA-PR. Scalar invariance of WA-PR was fully demonstrated across men and women, and partially demonstrated across age and employee groups. Comparisons between groups revealed lower levels of health and functional capacity, but higher levels of four other WA-PR dimensions in older employees. In addition, all house structures showed convergence with alternative work ability measures. WA-PR demonstrated potential for effective measurement of multiple work ability dimensions from employees' perspective. It provides means for efficient location of relevant domains and focus groups for work ability promotion.

Work Ability Index (WAI) and its health-related determinants among Iranian farmers working in small farm enterprises.

This study aimed to determine the Work Ability Index (WAI) and examine the influence of health dimensions and demographic variables on the work ability of Iranian farmers working in small farm enterprises. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 294 male farmers. The WAI and SF-36 questionnaires were used to determine work ability and health status. The effect of demographics variables on the work ability index was investigated with the independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA. Also, multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the association between the mean WAI score and the SF-36 scales. The mean WAI score was 35.1 (SD=10.6). One-way ANOVA revealed a significant relationship between the mean WAI and age. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that work ability was more influenced by physical scales of the health dimensions, such as physical function, role-physical, and general health, whereas a lower association was found for mental scales such as mental health. The average WAI was at a moderate work ability level for the sample population of farmers in this study. Based on the WAI guidelines, improvement of work ability and identification of factors affecting it should be considered a priority in interventional programs. Given the influence of health dimensions on WAI, any intervention program for preservation and promotion of work ability among the studied farmers should be based on balancing and optimizing the physical and psychosocial work environments, with a special focus on reducing physical work load.(J Occup Health 2014; 56: 478-484).

Organizational Justice, Selection, Optimization With Compensation, and Nurses' Work Ability

To explore associations between age, organizational justice, selection, optimization with compensation (SOC), and work ability. Data for this study were collected in 2011 among 605 employees (mean age = 43.7, SD = 10.7, 86% women) working at a university hospital in Finland. Age and work ability were negatively associated. Those who experienced high organizational justice and used SOC behaviors at work reported better work ability. The SOC behaviors mediated the relationship between justice and work ability. This meant that high experiences of organizational justice facilitated the use of SOC and thus helped employees maintain their work ability. Organizational justice can help promote work ability in two ways--directly by supporting employees' mental resources and indirectly by facilitating the use of individual resource allocation strategies in the form of SOC behaviors.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy: Impact of a Knowledge Translation Initiative

In musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and chronic pain, work disability has been identified as pervasive and costly, from human, societal and economic perspectives (Gignac et al., 2008; Bevan et al., 2009a,2009b; Leon et al., 2009). Vocational rehabilitation (VR) has been defined as: ‘a process to overcome the barriers an individual faces when accessing, remaining or returning to work following injury, illness or impairment’ (Department for Work and Pensions, 2004). VR has the potential to reduce the risk, cost and the negative human effect of work disability (Franche et al., 2005; Briand et al., 2008; Waddell et al., 2008). The integration of VR into a standard healthcare role is reported as necessary but is challenged in many countries which fail to incentivize return to work or resource health-related employment services, or lack policy frameworks to promote work ability (Alsop, 2004; Adam et al., 2010; Szeto et al., 2011). Allied health professionals are encouraged to use an evidence-based model of care to improve the effectiveness of clinical interventions and influence a positive patient outcome in developing areas of practice (Bennett and Bennett, 2000, Law, 2002; McCluskey and Cusick, 2002). Yet, allied health professionals consistently report that they do not have training, time, support or resources tomaster evidence-based practice (EBP) skills (McCluskey and Cusick, 2002; Rappolt and Tassone, 2002; Bennett et al., 2003; Grol and Grimshaw, 2003; McCluskey, 2003; Haynes et al., 2012; Caldwell et al., 2008; Lin et al., 2010; Murphy and Robinson, 2010). This rings true for VR, with occupational therapists (OTs) feeling