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Studies show that risk factors for poor outcomes can be identified within days of the injury. Psychosocial screening should ideally be conducted as early as possible in the first 2 weeks after injury.

While the optimal timing may vary depending on scheme requirements, insurer policies, and regulatory constraints, the emerging evidence suggests that early psychosocial screening—including before formal claim determination—improves engagement and effectiveness.

There should be a low threshold for repeating the screening if progress has stalled, even with initial low risk results. Psychosocial barriers can develop over time even if not present at the outset. Some organisations complete screening every 3 months if a situation is more complex or the worker remains off work. Using the scale after treatment can help to determine if the treatment was effective in modifying the psychosocial risk factors.[7]