The Impact of Psychosocial Issue Recognition in Managing Work-related Injury Outcomes


Town Hall Overview:

Good morning, everyone. My name is Stephanie Murdoch, and I am your host for this morning’s session. Welcome to the Valentine’s Day edition of the NAOHP Town Hall. Today, we’ll be discussing the impact of psychosocial issue recognition in the management of work-related injury outcomes. Joining me today is Dr. Joel Blanchard, the Medical Director for Sanford Health Occupational Medicine. In this blog post, we will explore the insights shared by Dr. Blanchard in the session and highlight the importance of incorporating the biopsychosocial model in the treatment of work-related injuries.

The Biopsychosocial Model:
Dr. Blanchard introduced the biopsychosocial model, which looks at the interconnectedness between biology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors in understanding a person’s medical condition and achieving better outcomes. Traditionally, the focus has primarily been on the biomedical model, which only considers the physical aspects of an injury or illness. The biopsychosocial model recognizes that factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, life traumas, stress, and family relationships play crucial roles in a person’s overall well-being and recovery.

Recognizing Psychosocial Issues:
One key aspect highlighted by Dr. Blanchard is the importance of early recognition of psychosocial issues in injured workers. He emphasizes that the first visit with a medical provider sets the tone for the outcome of the injury. By identifying factors such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, adverse childhood events, and psychological stress, healthcare professionals can tailor the treatment plan to address both the physical injury and the associated psychosocial factors.

Tools for Identifying Psychosocial Issues:
Dr. Blanchard mentions the use of psychological testing and psychometrics to measure human abilities, personality traits, and subjective experiences. While there are established psychological tests such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the focus in workers’ compensation cases should be on tools specifically designed to assess the psychosocial state of injured workers. Dr. Blanchard highlights the Battery for Health Improvements (BHI) and the Brief Battery for Health Improvement (BBHI) as valuable tools to evaluate the medical, psychological, and social aspects of an injured worker’s condition.

Incorporating Psychosocial Elements in Treatment:
Once psychosocial issues have been identified, healthcare providers can incorporate various interventions into the treatment plan. Dr. Blanchard emphasizes the importance of focusing on functional restoration rather than just symptom management. Treatment may involve early injury stabilization, reduction of inflammation and pain through non-opioid approaches, and fostering self-efficacy in the injured worker. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and workplace interventions, such as involving work coordinators, can also be useful in addressing psychosocial factors.

Return to Work Philosophy:
A significant emphasis in the enhanced injury care program proposed by Dr. Blanchard is the importance of promoting early return to work. Engaging in productivity and maintaining a connection to the workplace can have numerous benefits for injured workers. Providers should educate injured workers on the benefits of staying at work and help them understand that a minor injury like a back strain, for example, does not have to lead to prolonged disability.

Results and Cost Savings:
Dr. Blanchard shares the positive results seen in the implementation of the enhanced injury care program at Sanford Health. They observed a significant decrease in case duration and lost days compared to previous treatment approaches. Moreover, the impact was not only seen in improved outcomes but also in cost savings. By preventing one failed workers’ compensation case, the cost savings can outweigh the investment in early psychosocial interventions. The State of Colorado serves as a noteworthy example, with their implementation of biopsychosocial laws resulting in lower medical cost inflation for workers’ comp.

Incorporating psychosocial issue recognition in the management of work-related injury outcomes is crucial in improving the overall well-being of injured workers. The biopsychosocial model offers a comprehensive approach that considers the biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors influencing recovery. By utilizing tools such as psychological testing and implementing tailored treatment plans, healthcare providers can address both the physical injury and the associated psychosocial issues. The results from programs like Sanford Health’s enhanced injury care program highlight the positive impact and cost savings that can be achieved through these interventions. Moving forward, it is essential for workers’ compensation carriers and healthcare providers to collaborate and embrace this holistic approach for the benefit of injured workers.


Slides:

Google Drive  The Impact of Psychosocial Issue Recognition in Managing Work-related Injury Outcomes

Dropbox  The Impact of Psychosocial Issue Recognition in Managing Work-related Injury Outcomes

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