The 3-step system: Triage, assessment and matched intervention > Healthcare support in matched care > Use of case conferences with the treating doctor or practitioner

In the Early Matched Care at Australia Post (EMCAP) study, extra healthcare support was provided through case conferences with the treating doctor. This model had these facets:

•Following the first counselling session, a case conference involving the GP, Workplace Rehabilitation Provider (WRP), injured worker and counsellor was arranged to support evidence-based healthcare and appropriate discussion about work activities.

•Information from the case conference included written reports that were sent to the case manager who, with the worker’s permission, shared them with the RTW Coordinator and the counsellor to enable a coordinated care approach.

•Australia Post’s rehabilitation team identified extra supports through their direct conversations with workers. Services that treating healthcare providers may have had difficulty accessing through workers’ compensation claims were offered if they were likely to help the worker. For example, involving a dietician in an overweight person with knee osteoarthritis or prehabilitation.5

Australia Post has indicated that early supportive care was well received by GPs and there were few difficulties in arranging and completing their early intervention case conferences.

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Implementing the 3-step system of psychosocial matched care requires planning, coordination and ongoing management.

The next section explores key aspects of implementation to ensure fidelity to the system and maximal effectiveness.