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Psychology
Psychosocial factors involved in a work-related injury, as well as reactions to the injury, can be major contributors to delayed recovery.
HEALTHPOINTE offers psychological assessment and short-term counseling that is integrated into the patient’s medical treatment; supports timely re-entry into the workplace; and identifies factors that may be playing a negative role in re-entry, including those in the work environment.
Traditionally, psychological treatment has been ordered only after medical treatment has failed; however, current practice is to refer a patient for psychological assessment four to six weeks after the injury. In some cases, intervention is recommended after the first medical evaluation.
Early Psychological Evaluation
Early psychological evaluation can identify risk factors predictive of delayed recovery; determine if there is a psychological component to the injury; and if indicated, prescribe an appropriate and reasonable treatment plan based on work-related factors. The number one predictor of delayed recovery is job dissatisfaction, particularly dissatisfaction with one’s immediate supervisor.
Reluctance to consider the psychosocial components of work related injuries is often tied to a fear of assuming responsibility for a problem that is not directly related to the injury. This reluctance can have significant consequences. Studies show that 80 to 90 percent of workers who sustain a back injury return to work within three months. The remaining10 to 20 percent account for 80 to 90 percent of medical costs.
In most of these cases, medical factors do not predict a delayed recovery pattern. As well, it is common knowledge that the longer an employee stays away from the workplace, the easier it is to stay away.
Contact Healthpointe Today!
Healthpointe offers comprehensive evaluations and treatments for all your psychological and related needs. To talk to one of our doctors, please schedule an appointment today!
