Part 1: SIRA workers compensation allied health practitioner online training program (Full Program 1/3) V3

As an allied health provider in the NSW workers compensation system you have an important role in achieving the best possible outcome for an injured worker.  While the treatment you provide for injured workers will be the same as for non-compensable patients, an integral goal in treating an injured worker includes their recovery at, or return to work when it is safe to return to the workplace. You should therefore be prepared for others involved in the worker’s recovery and claim management to discuss treatment outcome according to whether your treatment is contributing to an increase in the worker’s capacity for work. 

The others involved when a worker has an injury can be described as a support team.  When you commence treatment for a worker under worker’s compensation, you are agreeing to become part of the worker’s support team. As a member of the team, your role in communicating with others in the support team is a critical element of the worker's management. This training module explains your role, the role of others in the team, what you can expect from them and what they will expect from you.

At the completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe the purpose, scope and structure of the workers compensation system and legislation
• discuss the health benefits of work and how this information can support workers to recover at, or return to work
• have an understanding of the workers compensation benefits that may be payable to workers to support recovery
• list the key parties involved in the NSW workers compensation system (the support team) and describe their roles and responsibilities, and the implications for you as an allied health provider
• discuss how you can apply this knowledge to build effective relationships and communication with the worker and their support team, to achieve a positive recover at or return to work outcome.