INTRODUCTION:

Satisfaction with return-to-work (RTW) outcomes is dependent on many factors, including a clear exposition of what people define as a "good outcome" and the information they use to determine if such an outcome has been achieved. This paper defines the key stakeholders involved in the RTW process and discusses the need to understand their motivations, interests, and concerns.

METHODS:

A review of the literature and discussions with RTW researchers conducted by a multidisciplinary group of academic researchers.

RESULTS:

Our analysis suggests that RTW stakeholders can share the goal of a successful RTW; however, this consensus has to be viewed in light of other, sometimes competing, goals and the environments in which stakeholders operate.

CONCLUSIONS:

It is suggested that more clearly articulating and operationalizing stakeholders' perspectives will allow researchers to advance the understanding of RTW interventions and outcomes.