Energy Expenditure Modeling in the Return-to-Work Decision Process

Abstract

With the current trend in industry to reduce unnecessary expenses, the involvement of the industrial hygienist in the scheme of risk management services is growing. One aspect of risk management in which the industrial hygienist may become involved is the employee return-to-work (RTW) program following an injury or illness. Whether or not the illness or injury is occupational in nature, an expeditious return to work is a direct dollar savings tool.

Generally, the physician's decision to return an employee to the job is based solely on information gained from the employee alone. This information is gained from an untrained observer and is subject to positive or negative bias. Intervention by the industrial hygienist armed with factual information may facilitate the early return to work of the employee.

Energy expenditure modeling is a technique which can provide the physician with an assessment of the metabolic demands of the job. The modeled information may be compared to a Maximum Aerobic Power (MAP) or Exercise Tolerance Level (ETL) to determine whether or not the patient should be allowed to return to the job.

This information may be used to 1) facilitate an early return to work, 2) provide information for a work hardening program prior to the RTW, 3) provide information for recommended job modifications within the RTW restrictions, and 4) for the employer, this provides information to limit the exposure of aggravating a pre-existing nonwork-related injury/illness. This method provides factual, objective information on which decisions regarding the RTW can be made, resulting in cost savings to the employer by reducing the length of disability for group disability workers' compensation. Caple, G.E.; Energy Expenditure Modeling in the Return-to-Work Decision.