OBJECTIVES: Analyzing the factors associated with improving the work ability index and quality of life in patients with disabilities participating in a return-to-work (RTW) program utilizing a case management system.

METHODS: A total of 154 patients, who are disabled workers administered in the Centre of Return To Work in Indonesia, participated in this study during the outbreaks of COVID 19. Utilizing descriptive statistics, the profile of RTW participants has been outlined. Utilizing specific sociodemographic and occupational factors, the association between RTW outcomes was examined. In this study, quality of life has been measured by a validated questionnaire of WHOQoL-BREF and Work Ability Index by WAI questionnaire from The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Meanwhile, correlation and logistic regression have been used to study the association between identified factors of quality of life and work ability index.

RESULTS: The findings indicate that scores of physical health and social domain for quality of life among patients reach higher than other domains in this study which remain 72.93 and 76.14, respectively. However, patients' work ability index is generally considered moderate to excellent with a mean score of 39.3(S.D 4.4). The level of education and all quality of life domains have proven statistically correlated with Work Ability Index (WAI). The level of education and physical health as the domain of quality of life significantly can explain factors associated with the work ability index of patients (p<0.05) who have been involved in the framework of case management.

CONCLUSIONS: Endeavors to strengthen the workability index and quality of life among disabled patient throughout the RTW program might start by ensuring that the case manager made every effort to meet the worker's and employer's commitments to the RTW program outcomes. The factors that may contribute to the association of the work ability index are physical health and level of education.