Research on Predicting the Status of Returning to Work for Injured Workers Based on the ICF Upper Limb Vocational Ability Assessment System

Abstract

<i>Objective</i>: To verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the ICF Upper Limb Vocational Ability Assessment System (ULVAAS) in assessing the occupational capacity of patients with upper extremity injuries. <i>Methods</i>: The ICF-ULVAAS tool was applied to assess the work ability of 119 patients and suggestions for returning to work were given. After discharge, their work status was determined through telephone follow-up for 3 months. The evaluated resumption of work suggestions were compared and analyzed with their actual resumption of work status, in order to verify the predictive accuracy of the ULVAAS. <i>Results</i>: The K coefficient of consistency between the predicted return to work suggestion based on the assessment of upper limb occupational ability and the actual work status of the patient after discharge was 0.322 (p<0.001), with an overall accuracy of 85.71%. The consistency between the therapist's advice on resuming work and the patient's actual resumption of work status is not significantly correlated with their educational background and occupational nature. <i>Conclusion</i>: The ULVAAS based on the ICF can effectively assess the vocational ability of patients with hand and upper extremity injuries, and provide appropriate recommendations for returning to work based on the assessment results.