Free Knowledge Base Research

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

Dr Mary Wyatt and RTWMatters are committed to sharing information that can make a meaningful difference to RTW experiences and outcomes. We rely on subscriptions to continue our work, but we also understand that some people have difficulty convincing their employers to provide access. In response to this feedback, we’ve decided to make approximately 1 in 7 articles free and create a small best practice knowledge base that is available to everyone.

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Listed below are our Free Research Summary and Updates. Click the ‘Free Articles’ button to visit more free articles.

Education — the key to busting myths about the need for imaging for low back pain

contributorLauren Finestone

A study shows how common incorrect beliefs about spinal scans are and reinforces the importance...

Cognitive-behavioural therapy-based interventions support RTW

contributorLauren Finestone

A study shows that cognitive-behavioural therapy-based interventions can reduce sick leave and...

‘This is so unfair’. Preventing perceptions of injustice after a work injury.

contributorLauren Finestone

A sense of injustice is common among injured workers and can prolong their suffering. What...

Let’s (not just) get physical — psychosocial hazards play a role in musculoskeletal disorders too

contributorLauren Finestone

Three recent studies show how important it is for workplaces to focus on identifying and...

Can work health and safety management systems address psychosocial risks?

contributorLauren Finestone

Using anonymous data in workplace risk assessments, taking the results seriously and having a...

Mind and mood — how psychosocial factors shape recovery from surgery

contributorLauren Finestone

Research shows that our emotional and mental state can influence how well we heal and bounce...

The RESTORE study reinforces the benefits of cognitive functional therapy for back pain

contributorLauren Finestone

A recent study into a new approach called Cognitive Functional Therapy offers hope for those...

From patient to partner — collaboration boosts long-term back pain self-management

contributorLauren Finestone

Self-management is now seen as a collaboration between the person living with the pain and their...

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...

Supporting self-management of long-term conditions — the ‘who for’, ‘who by’, ‘what works’ and ‘how’

contributorLauren Finestone

It is now accepted that self-management is critical for people with chronic conditions. But what...

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.