An examination of factors that affect return to work following burns: a systematic review of the literature

T Quinn; J Wasiak; H Cleland

doi:10.1016/j.burns.2009.10.001

An examination of factors that affect return to work following burns: a systematic review of the literature

Burns. 2010 Nov;36(7):1021-6. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2009.10.001. Epub 2010 Apr 14.

Authors

T Quinn¹, J Wasiak, H Cleland

Affiliation

¹ Victorian Adult Burns Service, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Rd., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. [email protected]

PMID: 20395053
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2009.10.001

Abstract

Aims: To review the literature on return to work (RTW) in patients with burns.

Methods: Using a predetermined search strategy, we searched Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to January 2008) database to identify all English studies related to burn and work, rehabilitation, employment, return to work, occupation or vocational training.

Results: Twenty-one studies were identified with 3134 patients. An average of 66% of patients returned to work following their burn; with rates even higher in patients with lower total body surface are burns. Time taken to RTW ranged from 4.7 weeks to 24 months. Common barriers to RTW were extent and severity of the burn, longer length of stay in hospital and number of operative procedures.

Conclusions: This review found that the severity of burn was the most significant barrier to RTW. Further research is required to explore physical and psychosocial interventions aimed at helping people with burns return to and sustain employment.

Publication types

Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Age Factors
Burns / pathology
Burns / psychology
Burns / rehabilitation*
Employment*
Facial Injuries / rehabilitation
Female
Hand Injuries / rehabilitation
Humans
Length of Stay
Male
Middle Aged
Severity of Illness Index
Time Factors