Montreal, January 29 2009 – A new study published by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) reveals, among other things, the disastrous consequences for injured workers when they do not feel believed or supported during their absence from work. Researchers actually observed the importance of workers’ social reality for better understanding their rehabilitation process by listening to representations of health, illness and pain by workers unable to return to work due to musculoskeletal-related pain.
Change of perspective
Pain is the central theme of the testimonies of all the workers questioned. It may be perceived as normal and under control in the context of work, or abnormal and problematic when it is constantly present and recovery is difficult. When this pain is considered abnormal, it can disrupt daily life and trigger an often complicated medical process extending over several months. Pain acts as a signal or barometer for evaluating changes in their condition and the extent of their recovery. This description of pain is very important in determining and implementing rehabilitation strategies.
Head start
For these workers, who are beginning their rehabilitation on the job after about a year’s absence from work, the fact of living with constant pain with no means to control it alters their identity both as a parent and as a worker active in society and thereby reduces their self-esteem. This situation is exacerbated when their pain is called into question. In such case, workers put their energy into resolving this problem, rather than coming up with concrete strategies for returning to work. Therefore, those who are supported and believed get a head start and, during the rehabilitation process, they set clearer goals oriented toward the resumption of occupational activities. The implementation of pain management strategies generates positive results. Thus, once they are successfully back on the job, many workers mention finding meaning in their experience.
Added value for intervention
The results of this innovative study related to the rehabilitation of workers suffering from MSD are aimed mainly at occupational health and safety practitioners and rehabilitation counsellors. The latter will be able to use this research to establish action plans that are better adapted to the reality of people living with MSD. Studying and appreciating the testimonies promotes an in-depth understanding of the emotions, attitudes and behaviours that influence adaptation strategies for patients on the road to recovery or in rehabilitation.
The report can be downloaded free of charge at:
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-592.pdf
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Source
Communications Division
IRSST
514 288-1551
For information
Marie-France Coutu, Ph.D., Psychologist
Centre for Action in Work Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (CAPRIT)
Medical and Health Sciences Faculty
Université de Sherbrooke
