Vocational Rehabilitation: What Works, For Whom, and When?
Gordon Waddell, Kim Burton and Nicholas AS Kendall
The aim of this review was to provide an evidence base for policy development on vocational rehabilitation:
- To assess the evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation interventions.
- To develop practical suggestions on what vocational rehabilitation interventions are likely to work, for whom, and when.
Vocational rehabilitation was defined as whatever helps someone with a health problem to stay at, return to and remain in work: it is an idea and an approach as much as an intervention or a service.
The focus was on adults of working age, the common health problems that account for two- thirds of long-term sickness (mild/moderate musculoskeletal, mental health and cardio respiratory conditions), and work outcomes (staying at, returning to and remaining in work). Data from some 450 scientific reviews and reports, mainly published between 2000 and December 2007, were included in evidence tables. Using a best evidence synthesis, evidence statements were developed in each area, with evidence linking and rating of the strength of the scientific evidence.
This review demonstrated that there was a strong scientific evidence base for many aspects of vocational rehabilitation. There was a good business case for vocational rehabilitation and more evidence on cost-benefits than for many health and social policy areas.
Download the review here.
Published in 2008 but it remains an important text.