You have a lot to consider as a GP supporting a patient who’s recovering from a work-related injury, which is why we’ve collated these resources to help you assess your patient’s injuries and capacity for work.

How to assess musculoskeletal injuries and risks

It’s important to focus on what your patient can do – their capacity – rather than what they can’t do. Take a look at our resources for assessing your patient’s musculoskeletal injuries and any risks that may delay your patient’s recovery and return-to-work journey. Find out more.

How to assess psychological injuries and risks

There’s more to consider than physical health and capacity when it comes to helping your patient return to work – you also have to understand and address the psychological barriers to recovery. Psychological injury claims related to work are also covered by our scheme.

Find out how to assess psychological injuries and risks.

Apply the Clinical Framework

The Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services (Clinical Framework) is an evidence-based guide designed to help you provide your patient with the right injury management solutions and recovery support. Learn about the five key principles that underpin the framework, including how to apply a biopsychosocial approach. Read about the Clinical Framework.

Musculoskeletal and psychological assessment tools

It is best practice to measure and review the effectiveness of your injury management interventions every 4-6 weeks. That’s why injury assessment is such an important element within the Clinical Framework. With regular assessments, you can:

  • give your patient and other stakeholders in your patient’s recovery and return-to-work journey vital information about your patient’s progress and ability to participate in work
  • empower your patient to monitor their recovery and take steps in their own self-management – a proven strategy for optimising the recovery process
  • make informed decisions to continue, change or cease treatment, or refer your patient to another healthcare practitioner or specialist service
  • promptly identify and manage risks associated with poor recovery
  • refine injury management and treatment interventions to provide the best outcomes for your patient.

Find out more about our musculoskeletal assessment tools and psychological assessment tools.

Guideline for work-related mental health conditions

The Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of work-related mental health conditions (the Guideline) has been developed to assist general practitioners (GPs) with the diagnosis and management of work-related mental health conditions.

Along with the Guideline, a short form guideline has also been developed which lists the detailed recommendations and practice points derived from the Guideline, as well as a two page GP summary which provides a snapshot of the recommendations and consensus statements in the Guideline.

The Guideline and other documents can be accessed here.