Doha, Qatar: The Return to Work Program, part of the Daily Rehabilitation Unit at Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), has successfully assisted and rehabilitated 124 patients to return to their primary work following a complete period of treatment and rehabilitation.
Dr. Fatima Al Kuwari, Consultant and Acting Chairperson of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at QRI, said the Return to Work Program was designed and initiated in 2021 to provide an individually tailored, comprehensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. This program includes physical therapy, vocational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychological therapy, all supervised by physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The program focuses on helping patients return to their work either fully or with modifications, by addressing their physical and mental capabilities and communication skills.
"The program includes patients referred from the inpatient department at QRI or from various departments across HMC facilities. These patients have completed their medical treatment and do not require nursing care after recovering from injuries, accidents, or strokes. After successfully completing the comprehensive rehabilitation program, they are assisted in returning to their main jobs or helped in finding alternative positions within the same workplaces that align with their current health conditions. This is done after communicating with their employers, as many have shown cooperation with these patients, Dr. Al Kuwari said.
Dr. Al Kuwari said the program includes some school and university students who were successfully reintegrated into their education after completing their treatment and rehabilitation. Communication was established with their schools and universities to create a suitable environment for them and to prepare their fellow students to be considerate.
Islam Bakri, Physical Therapist Specialist at QRI, said the Return to Work Program is divided into two stages:
- The first stage, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program: In this stage, the patient is trained in the Daily Rehabilitation Unit for Adults in vocational skills.
- The second stage, the Transitional Work Program: All patients who have completed the first stage and are eligible for the Transitional Work Program continue their rehabilitation in the Daily Rehabilitation Unit for Adults. The Daycare Rehabilitation team visits the workplace to assess the work environment and identify required work skills. Based on the results, necessary recommendations and workplace facilitations are provided, along with updating the patient's rehabilitation plan.
Saja Walid, Occupational Therapist Specialist at QRI, said the role of the occupational therapist in evaluating the patient's skills and comparing them with the required skills for their job.
“The patient is then trained in appropriate strategies to manage challenges related to their injury. The vocational therapy program is designed according to the patient's job requirements, and the patient is trained in handling work demands. Among these skills are strengthening hand muscles, attention, focus, and perception skills, the ability to lift and carry heavy objects, writing, using computers, as well as communication and interaction skills,” she said.
Dr. Fatima Al Kuwari emphasized the importance of the speech and language therapist's role in dealing with cognitive communication disorders characterized by deficiencies in cognitive skills (for example: attention, memory, thinking, problem-solving) and language skills (spoken, written, and non-verbal communication), which may hinder employment, independence, and reintegration into society. The speech and language therapist plays a vital role in collaboration with the Return to Work Program team in providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals with cognitive communication disorders.
The role of the psychologist is also essential. They evaluate the patient's mental health along with the impact of their current health condition on their work. The psychologist assists the patient in understanding and accepting their reality through cognitive-behavioral therapy and coping with challenges during and after the program. Additionally, they work to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety that may affect their work and productivity.
