Background
While participation in work and society is beneficial for health and wellbeing, injury can result in activity limitations and participation restrictions. There is currently limited knowledge about factors associated with these outcomes following injury including the impact of sustaining subsequent injuries (SIs).
Aims
To: 1) describe participation in work and activities 12 months following a sentinel (initial) injury, and 2) examine the impact of sustaining SIs on these participation outcomes.
Methods
Data were combined from three sources: 1) interviews from participants (n=2856) recruited to the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study following an Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) entitlement claim, 2) electronic data from ACC about sentinel and subsequent injuries, and 3) the National Minimum Dataset for injuries involving hospitalisation. Using multivariable models, characteristics of SIs were examined as potential predictors of reduced participation.
Results
At 12 months, 30% reported fewer paid work hours, 12% had reduced unpaid work, and 25% had reduced activities. Sustaining a SI predicted reduced paid work (RR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2, 1.8), but not unpaid work or activities. Participants with intracranial SIs were at highest risk of reduced paid work (RR 3.2, 95%CI 1.9, 5.2). Those sustaining SI at work had less risk of working fewer hours (RR 0.7; 95%CI 0.6, 1.0) than those with non-work SIs.
Conclusion
Reduced participation is prevalent after a substantive sentinel injury, and sustaining SI impacts on return to paid work. Identification of SI characteristics that put people at high risk of participation restriction may be useful for focusing rehabilitative attention.