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ForwardPreventing Needless Work Disability: The Healthcare Provider Role Online Course
Access to online course is available from the date of purchase until the course expires on March 13, 2027. Credit must be claimed within that time period.
Course Directors: Clayton T. Cowl, M.D. and Laura E. Breeher, M.D.
Available until March 13, 2027
In Partnership with MN RETAIN a complementary registration sponsorship code can be entered to complete this online course: OL-23R01847
Managing time away from work is crucial to prevent iatrogenic disability, which occurs when patients are kept off work unnecessarily. Extended absence can lead to deconditioning, financial strain, and mental health issues. This course highlights the risks, strengthens communication, and supports treatment plans that include active return‑to‑work strategies.
Target Audience
This activity is appropriate for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners and allied health professionals.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Recognize the provider's role in encouraging independent function, including a return to work, in the treatment plan.
- Identify how to frame discussions with patients to proactively and positively guide them to the stay at and return to work process using an active listening approach.
- Recognize the medical and non-medical issues that prevent a patient from returning to work.
Utilization of this Mayo Clinic online (enduring materials) course does not indicate nor guarantee competence or proficiency in the performance of any procedures which may be in this course.
| Preventing Needless Work Disability: The Health Care Provider Role Online Course | |
| March 14, 2026 - March 13, 2027 | |
| Module Duration | Topic |
| 1 hour | Benefits of Staying at or Returning to Work After an Injury or Illness A review of national disability statistics Adverse risks of a worker not returning to work Impairment vs Disability Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) Best practices for providers • Collect detailed history of condition • Develop activity plan that includes work as part of the treatment plan • Write activity recommendations that keep people at work and active • Observe HIPAA while communicating to the employer Case Studies |
| Writing Restrictions Review benefits of early return to work Resources available to employers to support early return to work Provider and employer responsibilities in supporting early return to work Writing Restrictions • Concept of capacity, tolerance and risk • SMERF Criteria Knowledge Check Scenarios | |
| Communication for Patient Engagement Benefits of Active Listening and open dialogue Recommendations for activity and work should be simple and specific Encourage patient communications with employer Addressing pain • The opioid conversation Alternatives to opioid use Positivity and setting expectations for the patient Focus on the medical condition to write functional restrictions Faculty: Clayton T. Cowl, MD, MS and Laura E. Breeher, MD, MPH | |
| 1.00 Credit Hours | |
Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Credit Statement(s):
AMA
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
ABS
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirements of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
For disclosure information regarding Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development accreditation review committee member(s) and staff, please go here to review disclosures.
Available Credit
- 1.00 ABS - Accredited CME
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 1.00 Attendance
Price
In Partnership with MN RETAIN a complementary registration sponsorship code can be entered to complete this online course: OL-23R01847
Access to online streaming course is available from the date of purchase until the course expires on March 13, 2027. Credit must be claimed within that time period.
Commitment to Belonging and Inclusion
Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development (MCSCPD) strives to foster a learning environment in which all individuals are valued, allowing all to achieve their fullest potential.
Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary requirements; however, some requests may not be feasible based on venue kitchen capabilities. Attendees will be contacted in advance if a dietary restriction cannot be fulfilled.
The Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development strives for fully accessible learning experiences. If you anticipate any barriers while attending this course, please reach out to the course coordinator who will be in touch with all registrants. If you need disability-related accommodations, please contact the Office of Wellness and Academic Support – Disability Access Services at MCCMS.DS@mayo.edu.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
View Cancellation and Refund Policy
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