P-592 the Current Development and Future Perspective of Return-to-Work Policy in Taiwan

Introduction The “Labor Occupational Accident Insurance and Protection Act” was implemented in Taiwan on May 1st, 2022, emphasizing accident prevention and return to work (RTW) for occupational accidents. To improve RTW efficiency, designing useful continuing education programs for enterprises is essential. This study aimed to explore the current approaches and barriers to implementing RTW policies within Taiwanese enterprises. Methods Managers and workers responsible for RTW policies in enterprises of various sizes were recruited for face-to-face in-depth interviews. The interview guide covered manpower allocation of occupational safety and health (OSH), experiences with occupational accidents, current RTW practices for injured workers, and the content and needs of existing continuing education programs. Preliminary results Most enterprises lacked experience in assisting workers with RTW, as severely injured employees often left their jobs after accidents. Except for waiting for injured workers to recover, interviewees didn’t know how to help them RTW. Additionally, RTW policies were executed by human resources (HR) personnel in most enterprises in Taiwan, especially in small-sized enterprises. Interprofessional continuing education was needed in these participating enterprises. Discussion Approximately 94% of Taiwanese enterprises are small-sized (<30 workers), resulting in the absence of dedicated OSH professionals. HR personnel require knowledge and skills to consult with OSH professionals, and interprofessional education offers a potential solution to address these needs, enabling HR to engage in collaborative practice with OSH professionals. Conclusion The majority of Taiwanese enterprises lack the necessary knowledge and skills to support workers in RTW. To design interprofessional continuing education is recommended for the future.