The 3-step system: Triage, assessment and matched intervention > Screening to identify those at elevated risk > How can screening questionnaires be implemented?

Technology offers streamlined options for screening and triage. Questionnaires can be completed online when a claim is lodged, through a digital link or an app, by phone through the case manager, rehabilitation provider or counsellor or by a hard paper version.

Digital options require the development of software and integration with existing systems. Current options include:

•During claim lodgement. For example, one private insurer asks 4 questions during online claim lodgement using a video animation. The results have been validated using subsequent claims data. The automated system has been implemented to score the results and offer an automatic referral for those at elevated risk.

•Through a link. A major public insurer sends claimants a link to the ÖMPSQ-SF. Once completed, the questionnaire is scored and the results are automatically included in the worker’s case file and the insurer’s database for analysis.

•By phone. In the public hospital and Australia Post interventions, case or rehabilitation managers completed the ÖMPSQ-SF in a phone call with the person who had lodged the claim.