The aim of this study was to determine if job availability at initial assessment altered the return to work (RTW) recommendations and six month outcomes for ACC claimants undergoing an activity based rehabilitation program (ABP).

Sixty five cases who underwent an ABP at The Back Institute, Wellington were enrolled (28 female, 37 male). Patients were categorized as: Working (IN WORK; n= 21), Not Working/Job Available (OFF WORK; n=20), and Not Working/Job Not Available (NO JOB; n = 24). All patients underwent a similar treatment program. Recommendations on completion of the program and work status at six months follow-up were recorded.

All patients in the IN WORK group, 90% in the OFF WORK group, and 83% in NO JOB group were recommended to RTW at completion of the ABP. At six months a follow-up work status was obtained – all patients in the IN WORK group, 70% in the OFF WORK group, and 29% in the NO JOB group were working (p< 0.05).

Patients that present for rehab without a job (NO JOB) yield similar RTW recommendations at discharge but poorer RTW outcomes at six months when compared to those in work (IN WORK) or off work with a job (OFF WORK). This highlights the importance of job availability in achieving robust return to work outcomes. It is recommended that patients without immediate work available undergo a concurrent Pre-Employment Programme which identifies immediate return to work options.