Award-Winning Approach Will Help Thousands Of People With Upper Limb Disorders Return To Work, UK

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Article Date: 09 Dec 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The University of Huddersfield has won a prestigious award from medical research charity BUPA for new research which will help to stem the rising tide of employee absence that results from musculoskeletal conditions.

The research, which has won BUPA's Health at Work Award 2008, was led by the University's Centre for Health & Social Care Research consultant, Dr Kim Burton. His study found that a new approach was needed, with more focus on the patient's emotional concerns about returning to work than their physical injury.

Every week, up to 50% of people of working age will experience an upper limb disorder (ULD) also known as a musculoskeletal disorder. These conditions include, for example, a 'frozen' shoulder or tendon-related pain.

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common form of work-related ill-health problem in the UK, costing the economy approximately £7.4 billion per annum and the NHS around £150 million in physiotherapy treatment. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) commissioned the University to look at how ULDs could be managed to help reduce the resulting estimated 4.2 million working days lost in the country per annum.

Improved communications between clinicians, employers and staff are essential for managing work-relevant ULDs. The study found that a 'biopsychosocial' approach is needed. This means that, while biological considerations should not be ignored, it is psychosocial factors that are most important.

Dr Kim Burton, consultant with the Centre for Health and Social Care Research, said: "The main point is to recognise that work is a major issue for ULDs. We should then try to 'normalise' the experience and focus on recovery rather than what's happened, what the worker can do rather than what they can't.

"We found that ULDs are not all related to work and that an early return to work actually contributes to the recovery process, but this requires support from the workplace and healthcare. In essence, clinical treatment alone is not the answer, prevention is not the answer - the various players have to work together to achieve the best possible outcome."

"We are absolutely delighted to win the BUPA Foundation Health at work Award. It will enable us to create an educational booklet on ULDs to reach more workers and their employers. This will support and help people affected by such problems."

BUPA's group medical director and vice-chairman of the BUPA Foundation, Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, said: "Muscoloskeletal disorders can prove costly for the individual, the business and health service providers. This research complements the Government's report on the health of the working population, 'Working for a healthier tomorrow', and will help to find ways to manage ULDs in the most effective way."

University of Huddersfield