There is a noticeable gap in the field of occupational rehabilitation that highlights unmet needs for individuals who are preparing to undergo surgery after an injury. This gap is marked by the absence of comprehensive surgery support that could lead to better return-to-work (RTW) outcomes.
The Surgery Works program from Rehabilitation Services by Altius is designed to address this need by providing essential referral support before surgery. Surgery Works includes support services such as recovery timeframes, treatment options, worksite assessment, and the preparation of suitable duties.
It serves as a strategic intervention for timely RTW and fills a gap in occupational rehabilitation.
Strategic Planning for Surgery
The cornerstone of effective occupational rehabilitation lies in meticulous planning before surgery and, therefore, early referral. By meeting with the injured worker and their treating physician before surgery, the rehabilitation consultant can obtain and manage all required documentation, recovery timeframes, treatment options, and additional referrals needed post-surgery. This proactive approach to injury management minimises the potential for barriers and supports a faster recovery, including return to work after surgery.
Benefits of Early Referral
1. Establishment of Return-to-Work Goals
By preparing workers for surgery and supporting them through post-surgery recovery, treatment can be aligned with capabilities related to work duties. This helps workers return to work as soon as possible, with minimal delays in treatment approval or process.
2. Timely Plan Development and Streamlined Treatment Approval
The earlier the referral is received before surgery, the greater the opportunity for timely plan development and service provision, including:
- Pre-surgical Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assessments
- Sourcing services and equipment
- Confirming treatment and timeframes from surgeons
- Establishing the availability of suitable duties
Employers can also be educated about post-surgery expectations, which helps support a timely return to work.
3. Positive Worker Perception
An early assessment of the worker’s return-to-work goal can be established with clear and accountable timeframes. This initiative may lead to a positive shift in the worker’s attitude towards recovery and accountability. Workers often respond positively to a support structure around surgery, knowing that required interventions and treatment will be delivered on time.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation, Return-to-Work Plans, and Measuring Success
Once surgery has been completed and the goal has been confirmed, the occupational rehabilitation service provider can:
- Develop a return-to-work plan upon approval from the insurer
- Establish an immediate suitable duties plan
- Commence case management with the worker
The success of early intervention can be measured by:
- Reduced time loss following surgery
- Increased worker and employer satisfaction with the service and support provided by the insurer
- Improved recovery timeframes
- Improved return-to-work rates with reduced claims costs
- Cost benefits realised through earlier RTW compared with claims without intervention
By providing these services, occupational rehabilitation providers such as Rehabilitation Services by Altius can help workers prepare for surgery and support them through post-surgery recovery. Altius Group streamlines the management of cases involving workers who require surgery by delivering tailored, end-to-end occupational rehabilitation services nationally.
Before surgery, Rehabilitation Services works proactively with workers and their treating physicians to ensure that experienced rehabilitation consultants manage all essential referrals, recovery planning, and paperwork. This approach reduces potential obstacles, expedites treatment approvals, and supports recovery following surgery, enabling a prompt return to work.
If you need help with proactive injury management in occupational rehabilitation, contact our consultants for a complete solution that supports the worker’s recovery journey while streamlining treatment processes to achieve an effective return-to-work outcome.
Call 1800 258 487 to enquire about tailored solutions for your needs.
