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. 2024 Dec;34(4):717-739.
doi: 10.1007/s10926-023-10168-6. Epub 2024 Jan 30.

Wellbeing After Finalization of a Workers' Compensation Claim: A Systematic Scoping Review

James Weir  1 , Robyn Fary  2   3 , Mark Gibson  2 , Tim Mitchell  4 , Venerina Johnston  5 , Mary Wyatt  6   7 , Robert Guthrie  8 , Bronwyn Myers  3 , Darren Beales  2   3
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Wellbeing After Finalization of a Workers' Compensation Claim: A Systematic Scoping Review

James Weir et al. J Occup Rehabil. 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: A workers' compensation claim may have significant negative impacts on an injured worker's wellbeing. Wellbeing provides a good global measure of potential effects of a claim on an individual, and is important for contemporary economic modelling. The purpose of this study was to synthesize knowledge about the wellbeing of injured workers after the finalization of a workers' compensation claim and identify gaps in the current literature.

Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted.

Results: 71 full-text articles were screened for inclusion, with 32 articles eligible for this review. None of the included articles evaluated overall wellbeing. Included articles did evaluate a variety of constructs inherent in wellbeing. Injured workers were generally disadvantaged in some manner following claim finalization. The literature recommends a focus on reducing negative impacts on injured workers after finalization of a compensation claim, with a need for regulatory bodies to review policy in this area.

Conclusion: There appears to be potential for ongoing burden for individuals, employers, and society after finalization of a workers' compensation claim. A gap in knowledge exists regarding the specific evaluation of wellbeing of injured workers following finalization of a workers' compensation claim.

Keywords: Occupational health; Wellbeing; Workers’ compensation; Workplace injury.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

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Constructs related to wellbeing and work
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PRISMA flow chart
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Recommendations from the literature review related to post-claim finalization outcomes
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Fig. 4
Fundamental considerations for the future of wellbeing following claim finalization
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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