Sally’s main challenges following her surgery included fatigue and peripheral neuropathy (pain in her feet) as a result of her cancer treatment. Sally attended regular physiotherapy and Pilates classes. The AIA Rehabilitation consultant offered return to work (RTW) assistance and a referral was made to a specialist occupational rehabilitation provider. An occupational therapist worked with Sally and completed an initial needs assessment and workstation assessment. Ergonomic advice including equipment recommendations were provided and adjustments made to Sally’s workstation to ensure her return to work was not going to aggravate her symptoms and assist with a safe and sustainable return to work. A graduated return to work plan was developed in consultation with Sally’s doctor.

 

The occupational therapist also addressed Sally’s fatigue and foot pain and provided fatigue self-assessment checklists as well as education around time management and pacing strategies to manage her work and activities of daily living.

 

The occupational therapist monitored Sally’s RTW over the next 10 months and continued to liaise with Sally’s medical team on a monthly basis as the graduated RTW Plan was slowly upgraded.

 

Sally achieved full-time hours and duties with ongoing support provided. Sally reported significant improvements in fatigue and was extremely grateful for the assistance provided to help her regain her normal work routine and also for the guidance and education that enabled her to self-manage her fatigue and foot pain.

 

*Name and personal details changed due to privacy reasons