Introduction and overview: Early systematic psychosocial matched care > Benefits of early systematic psychosocial intervention > Key factors affecting return on investment

Several key factors influence the potential return on investment when implementing psychosocial matched care.

Scheme characteristics

•Duration of benefit payments (longer-tail schemes typically see greater cost benefits) - As the WISE study shows, the intervention reduces long-term claims, delivering greater savings in schemes that pay benefits for many years

•Current performance in early intervention - Organisations already achieving good early RTW outcomes may see smaller gains from implementation (note that Australia Post considered their performance to be positive prior to the introduction of this model and still achieved 40%+ savings through improved RTW).

•Existing case management expertise and approaches - Strong existing psychosocial approaches may reduce the relative benefits of implementing formal screening

Implementation scope

The resource requirements will depend on your organisation's:

•Size and claim volumes - Larger volumes require more resources but enable economies of scale in training and systems

•Existing systems and processes - Integration costs vary significantly based on current system capabilities

•Current staff capabilities - Strong existing communication skills reduce training needs; high staff turnover increases ongoing training costs

•Access to providers - Limited provider access, particularly in regional areas, may require investment in telehealth or provider development

Resource considerations

Core implementation elements typically include:

•Project management (dedicated resource recommended)

•Staff training and coaching - Ongoing investment needed to maintain skills and manage staff turnover

•Technology integration - One-off cost that varies greatly based on existing systems

•Provider network development - Critical for consistent service delivery; requires greater investment in areas with limited providers

•Ongoing monitoring and evaluation - Essential for maintaining program effectiveness and demonstrating value

Staged implementation

Many organisations find success with a staged approach:

1.Small pilot program

2.Evaluation and refinement

3.Phased rollout

4.Full implementation

This allows for:

•Testing and refinement of processes

•Better resource management

•Progressive skill development

•Clear demonstration of benefits

Organisations considering implementation should conduct their own cost-benefit analysis based on their specific circumstances. The evidence shows that while there are upfront implementation costs, these are typically offset by reduced claim costs and duration, particularly for long-tail schemes.