Ss44-05 Characterising Return-to-Work and Stay-at-Work Policy Settings: An Australian Study

Introduction Globally there is a vast array of policy approaches for the prevention of work disability in workers with chronic pain. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that work disability policy can have substantial impacts on return-to-work and worker health. There is less evidence of policy impacts on the maintenance of workers with chronic pain in the workplace. Further, understanding of policy approaches to promote stay-at-work and prevent workplace separation is limited. This study aims to characterise the main features of return-to-work and stay-at-work policy settings in Australia. Materials and Methods Mixed methods project, involving collation and analysis of existing publicly available documentation and data, and interviews with 25 experts across the Australian systems of support for disabled workers. System features and service models were synthesised from data sources, tabulated and compared qualitatively. Results Australia has a complex and fragmented approach to work disability prevention. The work disability prevention systems are variously regulated by regional and national government authorities established under a diverse array of legislation. The approach to governance and benefit delivery varies substantially. A mix of public, for-profit and not-for-profit entities is involved in case management, administering financial support and service provision. Responsibility for stay-at-work policy largely rests with employers, with relatively little regulatory oversight. Conclusions Findings indicate multiple opportunities for improving policy coverage of ‘stay-at-work’ in Australian work disability prevention systems, including aligning case management and healthcare service models, and engaging employers in prevention and rehabilitation.