Predicting Clinical Outcomes and Lost Work in Patients with Work-Related Upper Extremity Disorders
Abstract
Although past research has suggested that a wide range of demographic, occupational, physiological, biomechanical, and psychoscial factors may be important in work-disabled low back pain patients, the influence of a combination of these factors on clinical outcomes and lost work in patients with work-related upper extremity disorders has rarely been studied. The present study utilized a prospective multifunction approach to predict clinical and work outcomes in a recently diagnosed sample of work-related upper extremity patients. The objectives were twofold: First, to develop and validate a comprehensive assessment instrument to be utilized by health care professionals to assess and predict clinical outcomes in patients at increased risk for chronic long-term disability. Second, the study attempted to determine whether a multivariate model which considers demographics and occupational status, medical status, pain/symptoms, activity/function, work demands/work characteristics, work environment, work perceptions, support, and mental health measures determined in the early stages of a work-related upper extremity disorder is predictive of clinical and work outcomes at one month post initial diagnosis. Forty-eight subjects were assessed via questionnaire and pinch/grip strength measurement no more than six weeks after their initial diagnosis with a work-related upper extremity disorder.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA438222
Entities
People
- Julie K. Miller
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences