The 3-step system: Triage, assessment and matched intervention

This section now focuses on how to apply this model in practice through screening, assessment, and intervention strategies.

Clarifying key concepts: screening, triage, and assessment

The 3-step system of psychosocial matched care follows a structured process to identify and address psychosocial risk factors. However, terms like screening, triage, and assessment are sometimes confused.

Table 4 below clarifies these steps before we explore their implementation in detail.

Table 4 - Screening vs. triage vs. assessment

Process	Purpose	Who It Applies To?	Tools Used	Outcome
Screening	Quick initial check to identify potential psychosocial risks.	All injured workers within first 1-2 weeks of claim.	Short-form tools (e.g., ÖMPSQ-SF, AB-5).	Classifies worker as “low risk” or “elevated risk” for delayed recovery.
Triage	Sorting process to determine who needs further assessment or intervention.	Workers classified as “elevated risk” in screening.	Screening scores + case manager decision-making.	Decision: Proceed to full psychosocial assessment OR no further action needed.
Psychosocial assessment	In-depth evaluation of the worker’s specific barriers to recovery.	Only workers at “elevated risk” who require further support.	Questionnaire tools (e.g., DASS-21, ARI, PSEQ, Workplace Perceptions Survey).	Identifies barriers and determines the matched care intervention.