Engaging with Rehab

When is the right time to engage with a rehab provider?

Despite the best efforts of employers and workers, approximately 3.5% of workers will experience a work-related injury. Engaging experience rehabilitation consultants early after a workplace injury offers numerous advantages that contribute to faster and more effective outcomes. In fact, workers who feel adequately supported by their rehabilitation provider are 1.35 times higher to return to their original duties compared to those who did not feel they receive adequate support.

Early Intervention

Early intervention involves a series of coordinated actions that are aimed at supporting the worker’s recovery and facilitating their prompt, safe and sustainable return to work. Workers are more likely to achieve positive health, social, economic and recovery at work outcomes if the case management process is tailored to their individual needs using a person-centred approach. Not only does engaging in rehab in the first eight weeks of a claim help to reduce the overall cost of a claim, but it also increases improves the mental health of the injured worker and the overall corporate morale of a workplace.

Key areas of early intervention include:

1. A review of the personal biopsychosocial and social factors of the worker.
2. Consideration of the physical, and psychological workplace environment.
3. Provision of essential healthcare and rehabilitation treatment.

Advantages of Early Intervention

Faster Return to Work: Early intervention significantly reduces the time it takes for injured workers to return to their jobs. Workers who engage in rehab services within the first eight weeks of their injury are 50% more likely to return to work within 12 months or less​. ​ Cases referred for rehabilitation in the same year as the injury had a 65% success rate in returning to work. In contrast, referrals made 1-2 years post-injury saw only a 26.1% success rate, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of effective rehabilitation programs

Improved Recovery Outcomes: Addressing injuries early leads to better health outcomes for workers. Early treatment helps mitigate the severity and duration of the injury, promoting quicker recovery and reducing the risk of long-term disability​.

Cost Savings: Early intervention reduces overall treatment and compensation costs. By preventing complications and promoting faster recovery, the impact of their insurance premiums are reduced and it also mitigates the financial burden associated with long-term worker absence​​.

Enhanced Worker Wellbeing: Employers' attitudes and early support play a crucial role. When workers perceive their employer as supportive and fair, their return-to-work rates are 43-52% higher. This positive perception significantly contributes to quicker and more sustainable recovery and return-to-work outcomes and fosters a positive recovery environment. It also improves mental health outcomes and helps maintain a worker's sense of worth and value by keeping them engaged with their work and colleagues​​.

Positive Workplace Culture: Implementing early intervention strategies demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare, which can improve workplace morale and create a supportive work culture. This proactive approach helps in building trust and ensuring a collaborative recovery process​.

The role of a Rehab Provider

Each situation is unique and should be treated individually. Workplace rehabilitation providers help address risk factors which may affect a worker's ability to recover at work. It is important for a rehab consultant to have a person-centred and individualised approach that advocates and facilitates a safe return to work. 

Please reach out if there is any way we can help you achieve quicker outcomes that will benefit both parties.