Examining the Role of Treating Medical Practitioners Practising in the South Australian Workers' Compensation System

Abstract

This paper reports conversational interviews with key stakeholders in order to analyse the critical role of the treating medical practitioner in the management of injured workers with a registered WorkCover claim in South Australia. The comments expose the dilemma of treating general practitioners in their dual roles of “gatekeeper” and service provider against a backdrop of the ongoing demands and pressures from claims agents, vested interest groups, litigation, pervading antagonistic process relationships, inflexible work settings and the preoccupation with containing costs. The study highlights the need for treating medical practitioners to understand the WorkCover system and legislation. It is suggested further that their practice would benefit from holistic management, supportive care, clear language, respectful communication, timely medical updates and helpful professional attitudes. It was noted that many medical practitioners favour some redesign of medical management practice encompassing the development of a leadership role and the provision of progressive medical management plans in order to maximise successful return-to-work outcomes for injured workers.

Promoting Excellence: A Learning Partnership Approach to Workplace Claims/Injury Management and Rehabilitation in South Australia

“…The researcher's familiarity with the area allowed effective management of the high volume of data in relation to the key issues. The distinct perspectives of different stakeholders can be seen in the resulting publications (see Roberts-Yates 2002a, 2002b, 2003a, 2003b, 2003c, 2004. The comments quoted in the introductory material above also come from this source.…”

“…It is clear that there is a need for an overall assessment of future possibilities in the delivery of improved responses in relation to claims/injury management and rehabilitation in South Australia. Recent publications have outlined concerns and issues in claims/injury management and rehabilitation (Roberts-Yates 2002a, 2002b, 2003a, 2003b, 2003c, 2004a. This article addresses the issue of identifying the key aspects of the situation to which attention should be paid immediately.…”

Examining the Role of Rehabilitation in the South Australian Workers' Compensation System

“…It can be difficult to prove causality and the worker is often in conflict with the specialist who has provided the diagnosis -The provider could assist the worker in understanding the information and assist the other stakeholders to understand the problem. The treating medical practitioner has a complex and diverse role as the "gatekeeper" in the rehabilitation and RTW process (see Bale, 1989;Burry, 1990;Cameron, 1996;Carey & Hadler, 1986;Castellani & Wear, 2000;RACP, 2001;Cohen et al, 2000;Roberts-Yates, 2004b;Wood et al, 1999). It is evident that the role of the rehabilitation provider in the medical arena has the potential to be a benefit or a hindrance.…”