Predictors of Vocational Rehabilitation Return-to-Work Outcomes in Workers' Compensation

The postinjury return-to-work (RTW) status of 502 injured workers in Montana who were referred for vocational rehabilitation services between 1984 and 1991 was examined to determine which variables improved the capacity to predict RTW outcomes after injury. Predictor variables included age, education, attorney involvement, mandated vocational rehabilitation, and time from injury to referral. The number of years of preinjury education was found to be a strong predictor of postinjury RTW outcomes. Age, attorney involvement, mandated vocational rehabilitation, and timely provision of services were also found to be significant predictors.