The Occupational Therapist in Industry: A Developing Challenge

Studies of health maintenance and work adjustment have stressed the importance of developing strategies to reduce discrepancies or conflicts in the worker's expectations of management and vice versa. The development and implementation of such strategies can be a primary role for the occupational therapist. Attention is also given to the need for further research in establishing effective programs in industry. Results of a survey conducted by the author are briefly reviewed. This study looks at workers with Low Back Pain who are on regular work, modified work, or on lost time. The survey attempts to measure differences between these groups in attitudes toward health, to Low Back Pain, and to work itself. Data from the study indicate some surprising trends that provide provocative thought in evaluating effectiveness of present programmes and in establishing future programmes.