Lan sustained a head injury following a slip-and-fall accident in her job as a waitress at a busy family restaurant. Lan has been off work on workers' compensation benefits for six weeks and is in the care of a physician and an occupational therapist. Since the fall, Lan has had some problems with her short-term memory. She loses track of tasks and has trouble focusing on what she's supposed to be doing. Otherwise, she feels fine and would like to be working again. Lan, her boss, and her health care providers agree that unless her memory symptoms improve, Lan cannot perform her duties as a waitress. Lan's boss has suggested that she return to work in the kitchen, washing dishes. Lan is insulted by this suggestion. She has four years' experience as a successful waitress and is concerned that if she says yes, she'll never get her job back. Her physician and occupational therapist aren't particularly familiar with her workplace and aren't quite sure what to recommend.

You are the workers' compensation case manager who has been assigned to Lan's case.

What would you do to facilitate the interactions among Lan, her boss, and the health care providers?

What suggestions might you have for a return-to-work plan for Lan?