Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

New Perspectives in Managing Work Injuries and Their Implications for On-Site Physical Therapy

Authors

Craig Goldberg, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Craig Goldberg. 1998. New Perspectives in Managing Work Injuries and Their Implications for On-Site Physical Therapy. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (116)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/116.

Abstract

Background and Purpose. The rising cost of work injuries has been a concern of American Industry for over a decade. Both an increase in on the job injuries, particularly cumulative trauma disorders and their ineffective management have led to this increased cost. The purpose of this study was to examine the programs and changes being made in American industry to reduce the cost of work injuries with particular emphasis directed at the utilization of on-site physical therapy.

Subjects. Seventeen companies across the United States with health promotion programs and on-site exercise facilities participated in the study,

Methods. A descriptive and qualitative research was conducted. Phone interviews using a self-generated survey was used to gather the information.

Results. Eleven of the seventeen companies stated that they utilize on-site physical therapy. The primary goal of the on-site physical therapy program was to expedite the return of the injured worker back to work. Eight of the eleven companies stated that physical therapists were utilized for both prevention and treatment purposes. Companies with on-site physical therapy had more extensive and comprehensive injury prevention programs. Physical Therapists followed by Occupational Health Nurses, were the most utilized professionals in the implementation of prevention programs.

Conclusion and Discussion. It appears that the implementation of on-site physical therapy is a main component strategy used to both prevent and effectively manage work injuries. However, because of a small sample size and the fact that all participating companies had on-site health promotion programs and exercise facilities, further research is warranted to confirm this finding.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy