Psychological Counselling

Optimise psychological programs can be referred for as a standalone program for psychological workplace injury, or, may arise through the Optimise Functional Treatment program informal psychosocial screening process.

In line with the WorkCover NSW publication, April 2008, Improving Outcomes: Integrated, Active Management of Workers with Soft Tissue Injury, identification of the existence of a Psychosocial component to their injury is done during the initial physical assessment though use of the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (OMPQ). This screening, and, if required, follow up psychological assessment and intervention, is implemented in order to reduce the risk that a participant will suffer a long term disability and lost time at work through factors other than the participant’s specific physical condition.

Subsequently, the Optimise Initial assessment includes administration of the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (OMPQ) as endorsed by WorkCover NSW. The following selection criterion will then determine if a psychosocial component exists, for which Injury Treatment will subsequently seek psychological assessment approval:

If OMPQ > 120 there is an option of integrating a formal psychological screening, and if required psychological counselling program.

While the majority of participants will return to work under the appropriate clinical guidance of the Optimise Physiotherapist, some may present with psychosocial concerns which require psychological intervention. The OMPQ will therefore identify participants with psychosocial concerns and allow for the early identification of said concerns through a psychological ‘Yellow Flags’ assessment.

Should the psychological assessment identify the need for a psychological management program, further approval will be sought for one of three customised psychological intervention programs. Optimise psychological programs are customised to the individual and their psychical and workplace rehabilitation goals through:

Ensuring a participant’s psychosocial and physical barriers are addressed in combination.

Ensuring psychological intervention will specifically link with physical intervention

Ensuring fortnightly case conferencing will occur between the psychologist and physiotherapist