How can I help if I am a health professional involved in workers compensation systems?
Living With Chronic Pain
How can I help if I am a health professional involved in workers compensation systems?
Traditionally, therapeutic options for people living with chronic pain have been mostly limited to pain programs of several weeks duration, usually within a hospital setting, or courses of physiotherapy, and/or clinical psychology. Within compensation systems, the results from many of these interventions are generally seen to be poor amongst those health professionals who work with these clients within these systems. The aim of this paper is to review an alternative model to available options, to review the process, evidence and outcome, and to make appropriate recommendations, illustrating this with a case study. Pain Management in the Round consists of the client and important parties to rehabilitation being present and participating in "Lifestyle Change Management" sessions with the client over a period of 10 sessions, based in the workplace as detailed in this paper. Of note is the sequel to this case study, wherein the workplace rehabilitation co-ordinator applied the strategies used during the program to achieve return to work outcomes for two further injured workers without the assistance of the Chronic Pain Group.
The outcome in this particular case is a success, with the client returning to full duties (alternate job) at completion of program. Insurers and all stakeholders in pain rehabilitation should consider the merits of "Pain Management in the Round".
Click here to read Pain Management in the Round. There is also a DVD available which features interviews with participants involved in this case study. If you would like a copy, please contact the office on .