The 3-step system: Triage, assessment and matched intervention > Psychosocial assessment of an individual’s barriers

Several psychosocial barriers need to be addressed.

Perceptions about the injury

This includes the persons’ perceptions of their:

•Pain ratings (when applicable)

•Functional incapacity

•Recovery expectations

•Emotional distress

•Coping preferences

•Self-efficacy

Perceptions about the workplace

This includes the worker’s:

•beliefs about their capacity to manage current duties

•satisfaction with work

•job demands

•job control

•support from managers

•support from work colleagues

•workplace relationships

•experience of being consulted about change.

This information will guide the conversations the RTW Coordinator or Rehabilitation Consultant will have with the person about work and work duties.

Other perceptions

The psychosocial assessment should also include the person’s perceptions about:

•family and friend support

•substance dependency

•community involvement.

Key elements of psychosocial assessment