Compensable work disability management : a literature review of biopsychosocial perspectives

Minimising work disability and facilitating work participation are a major focus of occupational therapy, and the specific brief of therapists working as case managers in the occupational injury arena. This paper reviews and discusses the empirically supported critical factors in the development, maintenance and management of work disability, and outlines the essential components of multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation. By implementing the biopsychosocial model as the framework in which work disability is conceptualised and occupational rehabilitation plans are developed, case managers can play a key role in promoting evidence-linked practice to reduce the cost and suffering associated with long-term work disability.