The treating medical practitioner should be notified that the injured worker’s treatment has ceased. Provide an overview of achievements in treatment, reasons why treatment has ceased and recommendations for other treatment to optimise recovery.

Consider whether there are any other options or treatments available that would assist the injured worker. A referral to a different type of treatment may be appropriate. All health providers can refer for other treatment services, however, only medical practitioners can refer to specialist medical providers such as orthopaedic surgeons.

A measured trial of no treatment may be appropriate if the injured worker is concerned about the closure of treatment.

A MTNT is a break from treatment as a result of cessation of therapy and re-presentation of the worker for a voluntary review. At the review, the worker’s functional level can be assessed using standardised measures for any deterioration during the break.

Generally, the procedure will involve a four to six week break from treatment with standardised outcome measures collected immediately before and after the break if the worker re-presents for treatment.

If the worker’s function deteriorates, it should be established whether the deterioration is due to any new or unusual activities or lack of self-management. If the deterioration is directly related to elimination of therapy and treatment is re-initiated, collection of further outcome measures may be appropriate after four weeks of re-initiating treatment.

Measured trial of no treatment reviews should be ongoing when ongoing treatment is suggested.

When discussing cessation of treatment with the injured worker:

• Summarise the progress they have made since the injury.
• Highlight the benefits received from treatment.
• Talk about the modifications to home and work that will assist with increasing the worker’s quality of life.
• Remind the worker that passive treatment does not give long-term benefits, and reinforce the greater benefit of returning to normal activity at home and at work.
• Explain that the treatment has been completed and that any further treatment of this kind will not benefit the worker’s condition.
• Summarise recommendations for any other treatment options.
• If contacting other parties to communicate the cessation of treatment let the worker know.
• Let the worker know that they should contact their certifying medical practitioner if their condition deteriorates.