Rehabilitation programs and return to work outcomes

Rehabilitation programs are becoming an increasingly important component in the management of workers' compensation cases involving permanent or temporary disability. In this paper we report the results of an empirical investigation based on 3,211 clients of rehabilitation providers in Western Australia. The issues addressed include investigation into variation in the cost of rehabilitation services, and the source of referrals to rehabilitation providers. These matters are linked to an analysis of return to work rates, where we seek to identify potentially important determinants of a successful transition back into the workforce. In connection with this last important issue, we find systematic variation between return to work rates and the extent of disability, migrant status, age and rehabilitation status.