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Open Access 16-05-2024 | Musculoskeletal Pain | Systematic Review

Prognostic Factors and Models for Predicting Work Absence in Adults with Musculoskeletal Conditions Consulting a Healthcare Practitioner: A Systematic Review

Authors: Gwenllian Wynne-Jones, Elaine Wainwright, Nicola Goodson, Joanne L. Jordan, Amardeep Legha, Millie Parchment, Ross Wilkie, George Peat

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose

It is difficult to predict which employees, in particular those with musculoskeletal pain, will return to work quickly without additional vocational advice and support, which employees will require this support and what levels of support are most appropriate. Consequently, there is no way of ensuring the right individuals are directed towards the right services to support their occupational health needs. The aim of this review will be to identify prognostic factors for duration of work absence in those already absent and examine the utility of prognostic models for work absence.

Methods

Eight databases were search using a combination of subject headings and key words focusing on work absence, musculoskeletal pain and prognosis. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of studies, extracted data from all eligible studies and assessed risk of bias using the QUIPS or PROBAST tools, an adapted GRADE was used to assess the strength of the evidence.

To make sense of the data prognostic variables were grouped according to categories from the Disability Prevention Framework and the SWiM framework was utilised to synthesise findings.

Results

A total of 23 studies were included in the review, including 13 prognostic models and a total of 110 individual prognostic factors. Overall, the evidence for all prognostic factors was weak, although there was some evidence that older age and better recovery expectations were protective of future absence and that previous absence was likely to predict future absences. There was weak evidence for any of the prognostic models in determining future sickness absence.

Conclusion

Analysis was difficult due to the wide range of measures of both prognostic factors and outcome and the differing timescales for follow-up. Future research should ensure that consistent measures are employed and where possible these should be in-line with those suggested by Ravinskaya et al. (2023).

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Prognostic Factors and Models for Predicting Work Absence in Adults with Musculoskeletal Conditions Consulting a Healthcare Practitioner: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gwenllian Wynne-Jones
Elaine Wainwright
Nicola Goodson
Joanne L. Jordan
Amardeep Legha
Millie Parchment
Ross Wilkie
George Peat
Publication date: 16-05-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Musculoskeletal Pain
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-024-10205-y

ERS Congress 2024

Springer Medicine

Prognostic Factors and Models for Predicting Work Absence in Adults with Musculoskeletal Conditions Consulting a Healthcare Practitioner: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

ERS Congress 2024

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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