Injury Management- What is happening and When?
INTRODUCTION
Anyone experienced at injury management is aware that there are changes in the practices involved in assessing, treating and reporting of a patient's progress over the course of time. At the time of the initial injury the emphasis is on assessment and the minimisation of complications that could lead to a life threatening situation. This is usually followed by a period of regular treatment that gradually tapers off as the injury improves. Evenually treatment stops altogether as the injured person / worker has made good recovery, has no, or few residual symptoms and is back at their pre-injury job. This is indeed the situation with about 85% of all workers compensation claims.
The situation with many injuries that occur at work however is often made more challenging for all stakeholders by Workers Compensation legislation. There are numerous complexites involved in the highly legislated workers compensation systems that empowers third parties such as as insurers and Workcover Authorities to control, restrict or promote the various practices of health practitioners.
For health professionals it is helpful to know what is likely to be occuring at a given time to your patient and other stakeholders involved in these sytems claim. Their attitudes and actions can and will have a significant influence on the progress made by your patient. The time line information files overview some of the important events and issues that affect treatment providers, injured workers and employers, as well as provide suggestions on ways to avoid or minimise difficulties.
