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Back to work programme
The RealHealth Institute focuses on return to work for all clients for whom it is relevant. Increasingly we are being asked to provide specialised return to work programmes. These programmes can be either provided within an intensive programme (usually a pain management programme) or as a stand alone entity.
Return to work programmes are delivered by an occupational therapist trained in vocational rehabilitation, with input from other members of the team. It is usual to work closely with case managers and other third parties during this process.
The return to work process involves several stages:
- Assessment and evaluation of work history, skills and training, current employment situation, and barriers to work.
- Identification of key building blocks in terms of physical function, perceived difficulties, beliefs, fears and anxieties along with specific stresses etc.
- Commencement of graded programme to work on tolerances to key tasks (sitting, standing, keyboarding etc)
- Drawing up of pacing schedule with active planning programme to allow return to work
- Negotiation with employer to construct return to work programme over appropriate time scale.
- Ongoing follow up and monitoring with active problem solving involving all parties.
