The 3-step system: Triage, assessment and matched intervention > Screening to identify those at elevated risk > Psychosocial screening in work injury management

Psychosocial screening in injury management is a proactive process that aims to identify workers who, following an injury, may face challenges in their recovery due to psychosocial factors. By identifying the presence of these factors before they are readily apparent, early screening seeks to identify individuals who are at risk of prolonged recovery times and will benefit from early targeted intervention to modify the risk factors.

In work injury management, this system of care involves the use of structured, user-friendly questionnaires that probe the injured worker's thoughts and feelings about their injury, recovery expectations and fears or concerns that may hinder their return to work. The screening results allow triaging2 into levels of risk, followed by appropriate investigation to confirm the presence of known risk factors.