Citation

Borgna SC, Klein K, Harvey LE, Batstone MD. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 2013; 132(6): 1525-1530.

Affiliation

Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Maxillofacial Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, scott.borgna@gmail.com Queensland Clinical Trials & Biostatistics Centre, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, k.klein@uq.edu.au Senior Systems Analyst, Information Technology Services, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Laurence_harvey@health.qld.gov.au Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Maxillofacial Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, martin_batstone@health.qld.gov.au.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182a8069d

PMID

24005371

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Injury has a major impact on work absence. The aim of this study was to document the rate and timeframe, at which facially injured patients return to work, and to identify the pre-injury and injury related factors that affect return to employment. METHODS:: A prospective cohort study was undertaken of facially injured patients over a 12 month period. The primary measure of outcome assessed was time taken (in days) to return to employment. 16 pre-injury and injury related variables were identified to analyze their effect on return to work. Both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed on each variable. RESULTS:: 714 adult, facially injured trauma cases presented in the 12 month period. 213 patients (30%) were excluded due to being unemployed or retired, and 21 patients did not return to work. The remaining 480 patients were included in the study. The median time to return to work was 15 days (mean 19 days). 7 pre-injury and injury related variables were identified that significantly affected return to employment; gender, operation status, income band, etiology, work related accident, concomitant injuries, and number of facial fractures. CONCLUSIONS:: As a cohort, facially injured patients have a relatively high rate of return to work (80% at 30 days, 96% at 12 months). As clinicians we should identify those patients at risk of having a poor return to employment outcome, and provide appropriate support and referral to allied health services. LEVEL I:: Prospective Cohort Study, Prognostic/Risk type.

Language: en