The role of healthcare providers in RETAIN
Healthcare providers can positively impact stay-at-work (SAW)/return-to-work (RTW) outcomes through collaboration with an injured or ill individual and their employer. RETAIN Kentucky RTW Coordinators work with healthcare providers and employers to develop a RTW plan that identifies services to support eligible participant’s needs and goals. These services can include, but are not limited to:
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- Case management and coordination
- Referrals for needed services
- Assistive technology evaluations
- Job counseling
- Peer support
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Is there a cost to participate in RETAIN?
These services are provided at no cost to eligible participants, employers, and healthcare providers. RETAIN Kentucky is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Social Security Administration under a grant award of $21,600,00 to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training that will be incrementally provided. 100% of grant funding is from U.S. Federal funds. This document does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor or the Social Security administration, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Resources
This report evaluates evidence-based strategies for enhancing occupational healthcare delivery and promoting employees’ return to work, drawing inspiration from Washington State’s Centers of Occupational Health and Education. The report provides recommendations for state agencies aiming to enhance occupational healthcare and return to work policies within workers’ compensation systems, fostering improved work outcomes.
Healthcare providers can play a critical role in returning employees to work. Through RETAIN Kentucky’s free training, healthcare professionals can earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits while gaining insights into a systems return-to-work approach, strategies to engage rehabilitation professionals, and identify barriers for patients in their journey back to work.
Mathematica for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. This report outlines recommendations for more effectively incorporating physicians into the RTW process.
IMPAQ International for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. These three pilot programs demonstrate the considerable knowledge that exists regarding effective strategies to prevent work disability after MSK injury.
IMPAQ International for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy Examines Washington State’s COHE program, which has been successful in improving worker outcomes, reducing the risk of long-term disability and premature exit from the workforce, and promoting workers’ RTW through coordinated care and the training of healthcare providers.
This public education campaign from the Campaign for Disability Employment centers around a national public service announcement(PSA) called “Working Works.” Through the voices of several individuals—including an occupational therapist—“Working Works” explores the many reasons people work, including after injury or illness. Several free materials are available to complement the PSA, including a series of posters; a discussion guide for healthcare professionals; and behind-the-scenes video interviews featuring the compelling SAW/RTW stories of the PSA cast members.
This resource developed by The Council of State Governments helps state officials increase the employment retention and labor force participation of individuals who acquire and/or are at risk of developing work disabilities, whether on-the-job or off-the-job. While the tool is designed for state policymakers, healthcare providers can benefit from the toolkit’s best practices and implementation strategies to facilitate positive SAW/RTW outcomes.