there was strong evidence that, in addition to usual care, collaborative effort among stakeholders, early contact between the physician and workplace is associated with early rtw. there was also strong evidence to support several key concepts in physician's disability management, including time and incentives, advocacy, trust and respect, knowledge and education, awareness of external factors, processes of care. there was moderate evidence that the use of evidence-based care has limited effect on disability improvement and rtw. the level of evidence regarding the effect of early rtw advice on rtw and degree of recovery was mixed.