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Physical Therapists Who Claimed Workers' Compensation: A Qualitative Study

JE Cromie, PT, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer, School of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086 Australia (j.cromie{at}latrobe.edu.au).
VJ Robertson, PT, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University
MO Best, PT, MPH, is Senior Ergonomist, Victorian WorkCover Authority, Victoria, Australia

Address all correspondence to Dr Cromie

Background and Purpose. Although most physical therapists experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) at some time, only a small minority claim workers' compensation. This article describes the experiences of a group of therapists with WMSDs who made compensation claims. Methods. Interviews were used to document the experiences of physical therapists who reported that they had changed their career because of WMSDs. Results and Discussion. Therapists described their experiences in negative terms and found dealing with the workers' compensation system frustrating and unpleasant. They encountered attitudes that labeled them as malingerers and felt their credibility was questioned. Conclusions. Physical therapists' experiences of the workers' compensation system were negative, and they were keen to become independent of it. Those who claimed workers' compensation perceived that a compensable claim could limit their employment opportunities, making confidentiality an important issue when treating other health care professionals.

Key Words: Physical therapy • Work-related musculoskeletal disorder • Workers' compensation

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Campo, S. Weiser, K. L Koenig, and M. Nordin Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists: A Prospective Cohort Study With 1-Year Follow-up Physical Therapy, May 1, 2008; 88(5): 608 - 619. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]