Influencing return to work can be achieved by dealing with individual employees, or working with the systems that influence return to work outcomes.

In last week's newsletter, Scott Sanderson wrote about University of Newcastle Ph.D student Joanna Bohatko-Naismith’s upcoming study on return to work coordination. The study is focused on identifying the skills and training RTW Coordinators require to perform their role successfully.

Joanna invites RTW Coordinators to participate in one of several focus groups and share their experiences. We commend Joanna's commitment and contribution to this important area of inquiry and strongly encourage you to get involved with her research (click here for more information).

Joanna’s study recognizes the importance of identifying ways of improving the ways we deal with injured workers. 

Long-term systematic improvements come about when we influence the way people are managed, the policies put in place by policymakers, and community and individual attitudes.

Would you like to have this kind of influence? Are you an individual who has an interest in improving the way people are managed? Are you looking to transition into a part time academic role? The Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) may have an appropriate opportunity. 

Working with ISCRR

The ISCRR (a research group funded by WorkSafe Victoria and the TAC, partnered by Monash University) aims to facilitate research and best practice that improves outcomes in relation to occupational health and safety, rehabilitation and compensation practice.

ISCRR is looking for an individual to coordinate a study on the addition of self-management training to vocational rehabilitation programs. They want to know whether improved self-management strategies can help workers stay in, or return to work.

There is good evidence to suggest that teaching people how to manage long-term health problems improves their health and health outcomes.

For example, many private health funds now coach people who have heart problems, acknowledging that the chance of readmission to hospital is reduced if the person learns how to  and is motivated to manage their condition.

Patients who have had a work injury often have to deal with long-term health problems. The condition is sometimes medicalised and control of the condition can be 'handed over' to the treating practitioners.
 
This study will look at whether teaching people how to manage their condition will improve their well-being and levels of motivation.

Who would be suited to this role?

The role being advertised is a project management role in research. The role requires someone with appropriate skills and qualifications, and is part-time. The job would be a great adjunct to somebody doing hands-on work, or who wishes to step up and work at a policy influencing level.
 
Those working as a rehabilitation provider, an injury manager, a physiotherapist or OT, and those with a science background are encouraged to apply.

For more information on this role, access the detailed position description (.PDF) here.