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Clinical justification

Clinical justification is the application of valid, reliable and objective tools at regular intervals to:

  • assess change in the functional status of a worker
  • measure progress towards, and achievement of, functional goals
  • guide decision making
  • justify the efficacy of continuing treatment
  • identify, document and act on factors that may compromise treatment outcomes or predict poor outcomes
  • determine whether treatment should cease or to determine when the worker should be referred to another health professional.

The clinical justification flowchart is provided to assist with determining a course of action. The flowchart has been developed based on the Australian Physiotherapy Association's 'Position statement on clinical justification' and a model developed by the Transport Accident Commission of Victoria.

Many medical, drug and psychological treatments easily fit into this model.