Preparation for return to work may commence early on in the rehabilitation process, with the introduction of pre-vocational activities in therapy sessions. Designed and guided by the occupational therapist, return to work often includes team support. Therapeutic intervention may include:
- Employer and employee consultation
- Ergonomic assessment and setup
- Skill and strategy development
- Cognitive or physical work hardening
- Simulated work programs
- Consultation with employers, vocational counsellors and other team members
- Developing, monitoring and modifying a graduated return to work plan
- Volunteer placements
- Work trials
- Developing and implementing job and environmental modifications
- Job coaching
Every attempt is made to reintegrate the individual in his/her pre-injury job; however, sometimes the job analysis and functional capacity assessment may reveal the need for a new direction.