Occupational and Vocational Rehabilitation
We understand that people with physical health conditions and injuries need to overcome many obstacles to remain in and return to work.
However, research shows that work is generally good for health and wellbeing; providing the work is ‘good’. To date there is no definition for ‘good work’. However, therapists at Group Rehabilitation believe that good work will mean different things to different people, depending largely on your ability, interests and skills base.
Our service
We aim to address the multiple factors which impact on a successful and timely return to work. A referral does not need to specify which of the interventions is required, as this will be determined on an initial assessment with an occupational therapist.
Interventions can include one or more of the following:
- Assessment of functional capacity: if the patient is already employed, the assessment will be job specific and will be completed to inform towards the most appropriate work-related duties and adjustments. If the patient is unemployed, the assessment will be generic and will identify which roles will suit their current physical capacity. Patients will be re-assessed at regular intervals if attending for rehabilitation.
- Rehabilitation attendance: based on assessments of physical capacity and a description of work-related tasks, patients will be set a programme of exercise and work simulation.
- Communication between the patient and employee: this can be face-to-face during workplace assessments or written correspondence. Typically, this will be providing advice on reasonable adjustments, phased returns and condition management.
- Workplace assessments: these are undertaken if work-related tasks cannot be simulated in the gym environment or face-to-face contact with the employer is required. Workplace assessments also identify environmental barriers in returning to work.
- Long-term management: therapists will explore options for self-management with patients ahead of discharge. This will include access to local facilities and community groups, but also on how they can increase their own activity levels in day-to-day living.
Research shows that after only six weeks of sickness absence, a person’s ability to return to work falls away rapidly. Almost one in five people who reach this point will stay off work sick and eventually leave paid employment. Occupational therapists at Group Rehab receive referrals from inpatient settings, outpatient clinics and primary care.