Arbeitsbezogene Rehabilitation (ABR) Work Hardening Arbeitsbezogene Rehabilitation (ABR)

Definition Work Hardening is a highly structured goal-oriented, individualized treatment program designed to return a person to work. Work Hardening programs, which are interdisciplinary in nature, use real or simulated work activities designed to restore physical, behavioral, and vocational functions. Work hardening addresses the issues of productivity, safety, physical tolerances, and worker behaviors."

Criteria for admission to a work hardening program: The worker is able to participate in a progressive rehabilitation program for a minimum of 4 hours a day, three to five days a week. A specific return to work goal is identified. Ability to benefit from the program based on a screening process. The worker has still a Job (= not unemployed)

OT/PT ("work conditioning") Work Hardening OT/PT ("work conditioning") Requires a specific return to work goal. No specific return to work goal is required. Recognized as a specific treatment program by Labor and Industries — program standards have been established. Not recognized as a specific treatment program by Labor and Industries — specific standards have not been established. Reimbursed according to the work hardening fee schedule. Reimbursed according to the physical and occupational therapy WAC in the medical aid rules and fee schedule. Addresses physical, functional, behavioral and vocational needs of the worker. Addresses physical and functional needs of the worker. Multi-disciplinary. May be provided by one discipline. Utilizes real or simulated work activities with some physical conditioning. Utilizes physical conditioning and functional activities related to work. May or may not include education. Includes education (e.g., body mechanics, work pacing, safety and injury prevention). May or may not include an educational component. Begins at 4 hours/day and builds to 8 hours/day over the course of 4 weeks. 4 hours or less per day. Note: reimbursement limits for outpatient occupational and physical therapy do not typically cover four hours per day.

Baseline Tests Complete patient history related to current diagnosis and any past medical history important to the FCE evaluation. Cardiovascular response to activity Pain intensity and PACT-questionnaire pre and postrehab Assessment of fine motor skills Assessmenot f balance Positional tolerance testing Material handling test Musculoskeletal evaluation if there is evidence of symptom magnification or submaximal effort Functional Capacity Evaluations are performed by Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists who have had specific training in performing Functional Capacity Evaluations.

Therapeutic interesse at Workplace Assessment

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