Injury management by health discipline

Although the management of a compensable injury should be no different to that for the same injury occurring in a non-compensable setting, evidence suggests that injuries occurring in the compensable sector have poorer outcomes ^[1,2].

Integral to the process of injury management in a compensation setting is return to work. Treatment should empower the worker to make a safe, durable, return to work. Effective communication between health providers, return to work and insurer case management professionals is essential to support that process.

What is injury management?

Injury management is the process that comprises activities and procedures that are undertaken for the purpose of achieving a timely, safe and durable return to work for workers following workplace injuries. The worker's needs in order to return to work are central to injury management.

Injury management incorporates three components;

1. clinical management: assessment and treatment activities by medical or other health practitioners
2. return to work management: coordinated planning, assessment and return to work interventions facilitated by return to work professionals (such as rehabilitation and return to work coordinators and workplace rehabilitation providers)
3. case management: a coordinated and managed approach that integrates all aspects of injury and claims management ^[3]

For more information on the roles and contribution of return to work professionals, go to the Return to Work section.