Rehabilitation of a worker

This man has a fruit shop. With the crutches you see at the back, he is able to move from his home to the street where he can do his work. He is proud of being able to make a living for himself; and with good reason. ^{© G.Van Den Bergh}

What is rehabilitation?

Here is the WHO definition of rehabilitation: Rehabilitation of people with disabilities is a process aimed at enabling them to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological and social functional levels. Rehabilitation provides disabled people with the tools they need to attain independence and self-determination.

Evaluation is needed to make a plan for rehabilitation

Work rehabilitation is a broad term that encompasses many aspects of intervention, all focused upon facilitating independence at work as well as enabling workers to fulfill a worker role. A systematic approach to the rehabilitation process is needed. When a person comes to a rehabilitation center, for instance, the first step is to undertake an evaluation of the worker so that a plan can be made. This evaluation process can be described by these six steps:

1. What is the medical diagnosis of the patient?

2. What types of impairment is related to the medical diagnosis and what is the extent of the impairment?

3. Is the impairment caused by, or aggravated by, the work?

4. What is the impact on the impairment on the patient’s ability to obtain employment

5. What kind of sources for information on work capability should be considered?

6. Is the patient entitled to any economic benefits?

History

The expression “rehabilitation” was developed after the World War I, when it was deemed socially important to support and re-integrate mutilated war veterans. Training schools, hospitals and various institutions were founded and programs started to develop. However, in reality, the development was rather slow in most countries, despite their heavy involvement in the war. After the World War II, new rehabilitation programs were established, and this time with more support and strength. Both national authorities and different kinds of organizations started to work support and re-integrate disabled persons who had participated in the war. The idea of bringing disabled persons back to the working life expanded further, and other disabled groups in society were included in rehabilitation programs. Departments of Rehabilitation were established at hospitals and medical schools. For a long time the main focus of these activities was related to persons who had experienced an amputation, stroke, spinal injury or limb destruction. Later, rehabilitation techniques have been used also for other patient groups, including for instance patients with mental health problems as well as drug abusers. Organizations and associations established by the patients themselves have been of major importance in rehabilitation issues; associations for blind persons, deaf persons, persons with poliomyelitis and so on. These types of organizations have often succeeded in altering negative attitudes in the society towards the different patient groups. In many low income countries of today, rehabilitation has a relatively minor role in the health system. However, the idea is becoming more and more acknowledged among health personnel, and rehabilitation units are becoming established in a growing number of places.