The health status of people claiming compensation for musculoskeletal injuries following road traffic crashes is not altered by an early intervention programme: A comparative study

Abstract

Objective To compare health outcomes among claimants compared to those who were ineligible or choose not to lodge a compensation claim. We also evaluated the effect of an early intervention programme on the health outcomes of the participants. Design Prospective comparative study using sequential cohorts. Subjects People presenting to hospital emergency departments with mild to moderate musculoskeletal injuries following road traffic crashes. Intervention referral to an early intervention programme for assessment by musculoskeletal physician, pain management education, promotion of self-management and encouragement of early activity. Main outcomes The 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Functional Rating Index (FRI) scores were assessed at post-crash and at 12 months. Results At 12 months, mean scores in six and five of the SF-36 domains were significantly lower among participants who claimed compensation versus those who chose not to claim or were ineligible, respectively. Differences in mean SF-36 scores ranged from 3.0 ('general health perception') to 8.0 units ('role limitations due to physical problems'). Participants who claimed compensation had 6.3- and 4.6-units lower SF-36 physical component score compared to those who were ineligible (p = 0.001) or chose not to claim (p = 0.01), respectively. Participants who claimed compensation reported a worse HADS-depression score of 6.46 versus 4.97 and 4.69 observed in those who were ineligible (p = 0.04) or did not claim (p = 0.01). Claimants had worse FRI scores compared to non-claimants (p = 0.01) and those who were ineligible (p = 0.01). The early intervention did not improve health outcomes, 12 months after injury. Conclusions Claiming compensation was associated with a worse health status for people with soft tissue injuries caused by road traffic crashes. The health status in people claiming compensation was not altered by an early intervention programme.