Compensable work disability management: A literature review of biopsychosocial perspectives

Abstract

Minimising work disability and facilitating work participationare a major focus of occupational therapy, and thespecific brief of therapists working as case managers in theoccupational injury arena. This paper reviews and discussesthe empirically supported critical factors in the development,maintenance and management of work disability, andoutlines the essential components of multidisciplinarybiopsychosocial rehabilitation. By implementing the biopsychosocialmodel as the framework in which work disabilityis conceptualised and occupational rehabilitation plans aredeveloped, case managers can play a key role in promotingevidence-linked practice to reduce the cost and sufferingassociated with long-term work disability.