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Scoping Review of Work Disability Policies and Programs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 June 2017

Ellen MacEachen ,
Bronson Du ,
Emma Bartel ,
Kerstin Ekberg ,
Emile Tompa ,
Agnieszka Kosny ,
Ivana Petricone  and
Jackie Stapleton
Ellen MacEachen*
Affiliation:
School of Public Health and Health Systems, University Of Waterloo, Canada
Bronson Du
Affiliation:
School of Public Health and Health Systems, University Of Waterloo, Canada
Emma Bartel
Affiliation:
School of Public Health and Health Systems, University Of Waterloo, Canada
Kerstin Ekberg
Affiliation:
Linkoping University, Sweden
Emile Tompa
Affiliation:
Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Canada
Agnieszka Kosny
Affiliation:
Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Canada
Ivana Petricone
Affiliation:
IAVGO Community Legal Clinic, Canada
Jackie Stapleton
Affiliation:
School of Public Health and Health Systems, University Of Waterloo, Canada
*
Address for correspondence: Ellen MacEachen, School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada. E-mail: ellen.maceachen@uwaterloo.ca
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Abstract

Purpose: This scoping review identifies the foci of research articles that address government laws, policies and programs designed to foster labour market integration of people who, due to illness or disability, face challenges entering or staying in the workforce. Method: A systematic search of English-language peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2014 yielded 14,474 articles. Title and abstract review identified 723 included articles that addressed government-led programs, policy or legislation on work integration and/or income support after injury, illness or impairment. These were sorted by theme, work disability program or policy, disability type, jurisdiction and year published. Results: The number of articles published that address work disability laws, policies and programs increased steadily. Most articles addressed disability in general. Among articles with a specific health focus, mental health was the most common. Research gaps are identified for mixed method study designs, chronic and episodic conditions, illness and cancer, and for work disability policy studies outside of North America, Northern Europe and Australia. Conclusions: We find a growing number of published articles about work disability and policy and identify specific areas where is a need for further research.

Keywords

work disabilityreturn to workwork reintegrationscoping reviewpolicy
Type
Review Article
Information
International Journal of Disability Management , Volume 12 , 2017 , e1
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2017 

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