Biopsychosocial Rehabilitation

Whether a referral is for a minor injury or illness or for a complex multi-track case, Overland’s clinical outlook is informed by the principles that define the biopsychosocial approach.

The Biopsychosocial Model of Health

We recognise the World Health Organisation’s generic biopsychosocial model of health, illness and disability. This approach is accepted as fundamental to effectively improving outcomes when managing injured workers.

Put simply, biopsychosocial injury management is an individual-centred model that considers the person, their health problem and their social context:

• Biological refers to the physical or mental health condition.
• Psychological recognises that personal/psychological factors also influence functioning.
• Social recognizes the importance of the social context, pressures and constraints on functioning.

Our approach to Injury management encompasses all the activities associated with ensuring the safe and early return to work of an injured worker to the workplace. It can include treatment, claims management, retraining of injured workers and employment practices as well as occupational rehabilitation.

A rehabilitation methodology which provides programs tailored to the worker’s individual needs is the best method of maximising recovery and return to work and minimising the likelihood of persistent problems developing.

The biopsychosocial model forms the basis of the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), which is now widely accepted as the framework for disability and rehabilitation.

The Biopsychosocial injury management principles are as follows:

• Early intervention and a client-specific rehabilitation program
• A focus on increasing activity and return to work
• Active engagement of the injured employee and working towards a common goal
• Regular review of progress and management of risk factors
• Evidence based decisions