Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap features the release of a new study from WCRI that examines how early screening for psychosocial risk factors can be an important factor in preventing delayed recovery.
The new report, A Primer on Behavioral Health Care in Workers’ Compensation, combines stakeholder perspectives with information from guidelines and literature, and could be used to form a common understanding about behavioral health in workers’ comp. The report identifies the behavioral health issues that are encountered in workers’ comp, which range from psychosocial factors affecting recovery and return to work, to psychological symptoms and mental health diagnoses. It also describes tools that are available for early screening, and services that are being provided in these instances, which include non-medical and medical interventions. Data needs for answering important questions about behavioral health are also explored.