Communicating with other parties

Health providers form part of a team which includes the injured worker, the employer or rehabilitation and return to work coordinator, the case manager and the treating medical practitioner. Clear communication with others in the team regarding the worker’s injury and their recovery pathway, treatment goals and timeframes has been shown to lead to improved outcomes ^[1].

The following considerations are important when working with others to facilitate the worker’s recovery and return to work:

• Wherever possible and appropriate contact other health providers who are treating the injured worker, so that everyone is kept up-to-date with the worker’s progress, their treatment and any potential concerns.
• Discuss any potential barriers with the treating medical practitioner.
• Make early contact with the workplace to discuss suitable duties and return to work planning.
• Make regular contact with the case manager as required.
• If recovery is not progressing as expected make a recommendation to the case manager for a case conference so all parties can come together and identify the best approach going forward.