Free Knowledge Base Research

RTWMatters is Australia’s leading independent resource for return to work professionals.

Dr Mary Wyatt is committed to sharing information that can make a meaningful difference to RTW experiences and outcomes. Based on feedback that shows some people have difficulty convincing their employers to provide access, we have decided to make about 1 of every 7 articles free - and create a small best practice knowledge base that is available to everyone.

Listed below are our Free Research Updates and Summaries - Click the ‘Free Articles’ button to visit the free content from our Articles section.

To access all our resources click here to find out how to join

Is exercise really a good way to self-manage depression?

contributorLauren Finestone

For people who are looking for a natural, drug-free way to manage their depression, a recent...

Person-centred care for musculoskeletal pain — a tool to put principles into practice

contributorLauren Finestone

Person-centred care is an important part of care for people with musculoskeletal pain...

Self-managing pain — websites and other tools for healthcare and RTW practitioners

contributorLauren Finestone

Not everyone with persistent pain conditions can access specialised pain services. How effective...

Case management survey: caseloads, commitment and self-training

contributorRTWMatters team

We share results from the 2021 Return to Work Matters Case Management Survey, completed by more...

Comcare has success with innovative early intervention program

contributorDr Mary Wyatt

Phone triage is an effective gateway to early intervention, securing cost and recovery benefits...

The importance of non-traumatic stressors on the mental health of first responders and public safety personnel

contributorDon McCreary, PhD

A Canadian expert in men's health, workplace stress and resilience explains how organisational...

RTW-land has a social capital

contributorGabrielle Lis

Teams built on trust and cooperation - i.e. teams with high social capital - have less long term...

Supervisors who react with support can help injured workers return to the job

contributorInstitute for Work and Health

Study examining return to work and social support finds importance of supervisors’ first...

Mapping Australian systems of income support

contributorDr Mary Wyatt

A ground-breaking report on Australian income support systems shows why everyone from life...

Work Versus Return to Work?

contributorRTWMatters team

Supervisors say that balancing competing demands is an integral part of supporting RTW

Research short: The only thing we have to fear is fear itself

contributorDr Mary Wyatt

Disability is more likely if a patient worries about their illness.

What helps RTW for people with chronic pain?

contributorJoy Hewitt

Surveys can help identify factors that will improve RTW.

Hospitable RTW

contributorJoy Hewitt

Employer reactions can determine RTW outcomes: making workers welcome matters

She'll be right: Under-reporting injury in the workplace

contributorFrancesca McSteen

According to one study, only 52% of work related injury and illness gets reported

When to take extended sick leave. A complex decision for workers with spine-related pain

contributorJoy Hewitt

This study identified a range of factors that influence when workers with neck and low-back...

Pain or gain

contributorHannah Bourne

Research shows that health improvement programs are both physically and financially successful.

The sick truth

contributorHannah Bourne

The factors that increase employees number of sick days.

Screening the future

contributorHannah Bourne

Clinicians and leading researchers evaluate the effectiveness of early screening in preventing...

The missing link

contributorHannah Bourne

Clinicians are good at putting medical pieces of the patient-puzzle in place. What happens when...

Need a hand?

contributorHannah Bourne

The factors which impact workers with hand injuries returning to work

Injury blues

contributorHannah Bourne

What factors increase the risk of injured workers developing depression?

Is RTW training for supervisors worth it?

contributorHilary Hoare

Training gives supervisors clarity and confidence; and clear, confident supervisors support RTW.