Over the next few months, we plan to share with everyone who works with workers’ compensation claimants some of the important psychosocial messages that have come out of the It Pays To Care policy — the key evidence-based messages that doctors and others involved in the care and management of claimants should be giving those injured workers.

For example, even if you’re not a healthcare provider, we’ll share with you the important messages we’ll be giving to doctors and allied healthcare providers. 

Why are we doing this?

People who work with injured workers but who are not doctors obviously shouldn’t be giving medical or other advice to workers.
So if you’re not a doctor, we don’t intend for you to give workers these messages. However, we do think it’s important you know what they are.

We think that by sharing the key psychosocial messages with the broader team involved in the care and management of injured workers — such as RTW coordinators and insurance case managers — we can significantly enhance the recovery process and workers' compensation outcomes. 

10 reasons 

Here are 10 reasons why disseminating these important evidence-based messages is beneficial: 

Workers receive a consistent message

If everyone involved in the worker’s recovery process conveys the same messages, this prevents confusion and reinforces the importance of the psychosocial aspects of recovery. 

Consistent messaging helps build a unified support system around the worker.

It enhances the worker’s support network

By sharing the key messages, RTW coordinators and case managers become integral parts of the worker’s support network.  If they know and understand the psychological and social factors that affect recovery they are better placed to offer more comprehensive support.

It improves recovery outcomes

Evidence-based psychosocial messages can positively influence injured workers' attitudes and their expectations about recovery, which leads to better health outcomes. 

When these messages are reinforced by multiple sources, their impact is amplified.

It supports early intervention

Understanding psychosocial factors allows non-medical staff to identify early signs of psychosocial distress and initiate timely interventions that can prevent complications from occurring and aid in quicker recovery.

It promotes a holistic approach to care

Sharing psychosocial messages emphasises the importance of addressing mental and emotional health alongside physical recovery. This holistic approach is crucial for comprehensive rehabilitation.

It encourages the worker’s active participation

Armed with knowledge about the psychosocial aspects of recovery, RTW coordinators and case managers can encourage injured workers to actively participate in their recovery process, which fosters a sense of empowerment and agency.

It helps to reduce stigma

Openly discussing psychosocial factors normalises mental health as a key aspect of recovery, which reduces stigma and encourages injured workers to seek help. 

It enhances case management

If case managers have a deeper understanding of psychosocial issues, they will be able to make more informed decisions about the worker’s care plan, tailor support services and better manage the claim process.

It improves collaboration

Sharing key messages fosters a collaborative environment where healthcare providers, RTW coordinators and case managers work together towards common goals. This improves the coordination and effectiveness of care.

It promotes cost-effective outcomes

By promoting faster and more holistic recovery these shared psychosocial messages can lead to more cost-effective workers' compensation outcomes and reduce the financial burden on everyone involved in our work injury schemes.
In essence, sharing key psychosocial messages across all scheme stakeholders empowers each member to contribute positively to the recovery process but also aligns efforts towards achieving the best possible outcomes for injured workers