A New Vocational Rehabilitation Service Delivery Model Addressing Long-Term Sickness Absence

Statement of context: Evidence supports the benefits of providing early intervention following non-catastrophic musculoskeletal injury to facilitate successful and sustained resumption of work.Critical reflection on practice: Not returning to work within a few months post-musculoskeletal injury can complicate the recovery and return to work process. A recently developed vocational rehabilitation model attempts to impact where others have failed.Implications for practice: This novel, evidence-based service delivery model aligns well with the theory of planned behaviour and current psychosocial models of work disability, and provides vital support to individuals who find themselves out of work for periods greater than 12 months.