John Lowe asks the reader the question, "Do Workplace Stretch Programs Work?" Once he has our attention, he sets the stage for his discussion. Employers are forced to deal with the direct costs of an employee's injury (medical costs) and with the indirect costs of replacement (recruiting, training, overtime costs, etc.). Implementation of the workplace stretching programs is one intervention intended to reduce injury rates. John informs us that a Nine Point Program reduces injury rates. He points out the factors that may undermine any Injury Reduction Program. John closes his discussion with this statement; "the intervention will only be as effective as the commitment of the employer and the training of the people implementing it."

In Part 2 Managing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace, Mark Raderstorf deals with the cost element to the employer, a psychiatric leave of absence. Mark outlines how to control this cost. Keep the leave as short as possible. The longer an employee is away from work the more troublesome the return to work.

Ensure a sound job standard agreement. Also, establish clear restriction and coordinating accommodation. Mark's parting thought is the goal is to facilitate a successful return to full-time work by using a compassionate and supportive, yet assertive approach to sometimes awkward scenarios (mental health disability).

Donna Heun directs us to focus on the diabetes continuum of care by reviewing strategies for inpatient care, outpatient care, primary care, and community outreach. Later in the article, she expands the value of these strategies through in-depth discussions on The Patient Diabetes Model, and Transitioning the Patient Home. High points in this discussion center around: self-care at home, outpatient classes, and defining other patient services. Donna underlines for us that the final goal is that the patient understands the basic self-management survival skills needed to return home, and receive the appropriate support services needed to enhance safe home management and reduce the chances of readmission.

Frances SnowdenBS, RN, CRRN, CCM

Contributing Editor