Trajectory and Predictors of Return-to-Work Outcomes for People After a Road Traffic Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE: Identifying factors influencing work after road traffic injuries (RTI) is important for developing early and appropriate interventions. This study aimed to quantify vocational outcomes up to 12 months after RTIs; to explore Return-to-work (RTW) trajectories over this period; and to identify predictors of RTW status and disability days at baseline, 6-, and 12-month post-RTI. METHODS: Individuals aged 18 to 64 years with minor to serious musculoskeletal RTI presenting to two Australian public hospital emergency departments were recruited. Exclusions were severe injury and not being in paid employment pre-injury. Assessment occurred at baseline, six months, and 12 months post-RTI. RESULTS: = 0.29, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: RTW after RTI is a dynamic, staged process. Early outcomes are primarily health-related, whereas 6-12-month outcomes are shaped by psychosocial factors. Sustained RTW often requires work modifications, underscoring the need for coordinated, systems-based rehabilitation strategies.