Does the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire predict outcomes following a work-related compensable injury?

The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the usefulness of the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (OMPQ) to predict return to work outcomes following a compensable musculoskeletal injury. Participants (n=196 injured workers, 66% male, 36% with back pain) were screened at 4-12 weeks, and followed up at 6 months, post-injury. Total scores on the OMPQ were able to differentiate between work status on both occasions, indicating the potential predictive validity of this instrument.

Health outcomes for people who use palliative care services.

Health outcomes are being promoted as a necessary evaluation measure in health care services. Less often discussed is the notion that health outcomes are artificially designated endpoints and that different people in the health system have different ideas of what the outcomes ought to be. Whose evidence is acceptable and relevant in constructing a framework of health outcomes in palliative care? This paper presents the findings of a research project undertaken in New South Wales, Australia, on health outcomes as evaluated by patients and caregivers.

Factors enhancing and inhibiting the development of primary medical care in community health centres.

This study examined factors inhibiting and enhancing the development of primary medical care within community health centres. Nine centres with medical services, representing a range of financial administrative arrangements and a spread of locations, were selected for investigation. A modified version of the Community Health Accreditation and Standards Project (CHASP) review process was developed to look at areas of health service functioning.