Early systematic psychosocial matched care for > Terminology used in this paper

This section explains and clarifies specific terms used in this paper.

Psychosocial

Psychosocial refers to the interplay between psychological and social factors that influence a person’s thoughts, behaviours and overall well-being. It encompasses the dynamic relationship between a person's inner mental processes and their social environment, including their relationships, culture and economic circumstances.

The terms ‘psychosocial’ and ‘biopsychosocial’ are often used interchangeably.

Psychosocial barriers

These are non-physical obstacles that can delay recovery, such as distress, workplace conflict, poor coping strategies, or low self-efficacy.

For a full discussion, see Section I (p. 10).

Biopsychosocial

The biopsychosocial model explains how biological (injury, pain), psychological (thoughts, emotions), and social (workplace, support systems) factors interact to influence recovery.

This model is discussed in detail in Section I (p. 10).

In this paper

In this paper, the term psychosocial is generally used and reflects the most common early psychosocial barriers of passive coping and workplace challenges, among others.

This term aligns with the prevention of psychosocial hazards, which has been the focus of occupational health and safety legislation introduced across Australia over the last 2 years.

Alignment in terminology helps:

•establish a common language that supports change across various domains — including human resources (HR), RTW programs, OH&S, workplaces and policymakers

•organisations develop and implement policies, procedures and interventions that promote employee well-being and prevent work-related psychological injuries

•reinforce the importance of a holistic approach to worker health and well-being and emphasise the need for organisations to consider not only the physical safety of their employees but also their psychological safety and the impact of psychosocial hazards on overall health and productivity

•policymakers use a common language that encompasses both the prevention of psychosocial hazards and the management of work-related injuries to create a more coherent and effective legislative framework that supports positive change across multiple domains.

Psychosocial screening and triage or risk stratification

Psychosocial screening is the process of screening for psychosocial barriers. Triage is the process of screening people and classifying them into risk categories based on their psychosocial rating.

Psychosocial assessment

Psychosocial assessment is the comprehensive evaluation of a person’s psychosocial profile to identify specific barriers, which helps identify options for management and support.

Early systematic psychosocial triage, assessment and matched care

This psychosocial matched care system involves early and systematic screening of people with work-related injuries, identifying those with elevated psychosocial risk and then assessing their barriers with appropriate care to help them overcome those barriers.

Psychosocial matched care

A shortened, more pragmatic version of the term ‘Early systematic psychosocial triage, assessment and matched care’.

Psychosocial hazards

According to Safe Work Australia a psychosocial hazard is anything that could cause psychological harm. Common psychosocial hazards at work include factors such as excessive job demands or low job control. This includes psychosocial hazards during RTW — for example, poor communication by the supervisor or demeaning duties. It could also refer to overly solicitous health care that is generally considered low value care, such as excessive use of rest, opioid analgesics and imaging.

Other terms

Service Provider: Any organisation or professional that offers services to support an injured worker's recovery and return to work. This could include healthcare providers, rehabilitation professionals, or counselling services.

Worker: Refers to an employee who has sustained a work-related injury or illness and is involved in a return-to-work (RTW) process. The term injured worker is common though many feel it dehumanises the person with the injury or illness.

Insurer: The entity responsible for managing workers’ compensation claims, includes Claims agents.

Scheme: Refers to the overall workers' compensation system or structure within which the injured worker, employer, insurer, and service providers operate.

Workplace Rehabilitation Provider (WRP): A specialised service provider focused on workplace-based rehabilitation.

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