BACKGROUND: Following brief training, an Australian workplace Return to Work
(RTW) Coordinator is expected to provide information to the injured worker, liaise with
key stakeholders and maintain workplace policies and procedures in accordance with
legislative requirements.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide insights into the
experiences and perceptions of the Australian Workplace RTW Coordinator in relation to
current training practices and to identify any existing inadequacies within the available
training.
METHOD: Twenty-five workplace RTW Coordinators from five Australian states
participated in six focus groups.Participants with a minimum of two years’ experience as a
workplace RTW Coordinator and involved with the development and implementation of
workplace policies and procedures, were included in the study. Thematic analysis was
performed to identity meaningful themes and patterns.
RESULTS: The findings highlighted specific training requirements and
additional support mechanisms recommended by current workplace RTW Coordinators. Four key
themes clearly emerged: inadequate training; irrelevant content; the need for specialised
trainers; and network support services.
CONCLUSION: RTW Coordinators require effective training and support to
ensure the appropriate and timely delivery of services to all stakeholders involved in the
RTW process. The results of this study may inform future training practices for RTW
Coordinators.
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