IDENTIFYING PREDICTORS OF RETURN TO WORK AND UNIQUE ASPECTS OF DISABILITY MANAGEMENT IN FIRST RESPONDERS AFFECTED BY MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES AND MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

Background: First responders have unique and important roles. The duties performed can be dangerous, physically demanding and stressful, leading to high risks of injury and illness. Because of their unique job demands, it is important to identify aspects of the disability management process and predictors of return to work that are specific to first responders Thesis Objectives: To analyze first responder disability management claims associated with injuries and mental health issues to determine predictors of return to work and differences in the disability management claims when comparing first responders to high and low demand occupations. Methods: The claim data were obtained from a disability management company. In the first study, all first responder claims were included in the Cox proportional regression models and the log-rank tests to identify predictors of return to work. For the second study, the claims of high and low demand occupations were randomly age and sex-matched to the first responder claims. Differences in the duration of time off work, the duration of the claim, the injury and mental health diagnoses, and the duties performed when returning to work existed between first responders and the two occupation groups. Results: Musculoskeletal injuries predicted an increased likelihood of returning to work in a shorter duration of time. Medical report lag and claim lag decreased the likelihood of returning to work. First responders returned to work sooner, had shorter disability claim durations, differed in the injuries and mental health issues sustained, and were less likely to return to their pre-injury duties compared to the two occupation groups. Conclusions: Predictors of return to work specific for first responders were identified, yet the results lack generalizability. Although first responders returned to work sooner compared to the other occupations, they were more likely relegated to modified duties.