Introduction and overview: Early systematic psychosocial matched care > Benefits of early systematic psychosocial intervention > Other arguments that support the case for early routine screening

Early psychosocial screening can also serve as a tool for resource allocation. This system ensures that resources are directed where they are most needed and can have the greatest impact on facilitating RTW and improving outcomes for injured workers.

The information gathered can proactively identify people at risk of developing secondary mental injuries and ensure intervention before the problem develops and becomes entrenched.

The effectiveness of psychosocial management can diminish as time progresses. This is because problems often become more entrenched and difficult to change over time. For example:

•Workplace issues that are not addressed early may result in a breakdown in the relationship between the employee and the employer and a loss of the person’s job.

•As time passes the worker may become increasingly isolated and detached from work, developing maladaptive coping mechanisms, unhelpful thought patterns and depressed mood, which can be more difficult to overcome later in the recovery process.

Later management can still be helpful but its impact will be less pronounced compared to early intervention, especially if the worker becomes job detached. The most effective approach is to set up routine systems so that management targeted at risk factors occurs early and systematically.