Paradigm Outcomes hosts the Innovation Symposium this week, September 24 and 25, in Chicago. The annual event gathers leaders from America’s largest workers’ compensation insurance carriers, state funds and self-insured employers for big picture thinking on topics as diverse as robotics and millennials.

This year, we explore mental health and the relationship between an injured worker’s psychosocial well-being and a comprehensive recovery from injury. Research suggests that effective mental health treatment can not only improve recovery outcomes, but also optimize return to work and other claims management metrics. Four expert speakers in the fields of disability prevention, rehabilitation, human resources and self-directed achievement will share the latest research, offer insights and make recommendations for how organizations can effectively address this issue.

Visit our blog, Outlook on Outcomes, each week through October for highlights from each of the symposium’s presenters.

Innovation Symposium Speakers

We have four expert speakers lined up across the two days:

Daniel Kish – “The Will to Be Well”

Daniel founded World Access for the Blind and has helped fellow individuals living with blindness to improve mobility, confidence and freedom. Voted one of the top 10 speakers at TED2015, Daniel will share his personal journey in learning to activate his visual cortex to “see” through hearing and touch to construct images of his surroundings. He has taught thousands of blind people how to gain purpose and dignity through “perspective shifting.”

Harry Spencer – “A Culturally Sensitive Employer’s Perspective”

A staggering percentage of the U.S. workforce has behavioral health and/or substance use disorders. These conditions have a variety of consequences for a company’s medical coverage, and disability and pharmacy programs. JetBlue Vice President Harry Spencer will discuss the relationship between physical and mental health, and share ideas for how to identify, monitor and offer support for mental health issues.

Renee-Louise Franche, Ph.D., RPsych – “Why Mental Health Matters in Workers’ Compensation Systems”

Mental health concerns are often overlooked risk factors for prolonged duration of work absence and even return to work. Dr. Franche, a clinical psychologist, professor and consultant in work disability prevention and occupational health, will discuss the prevalence of mental health conditions in claimants. Her presentation will bridge the gap between research and workers’ compensation through evidence-based RTW best practices.

Teresa Ashman, Ph.D., ABPP-Rp, FACRM – “Get the Best Outcomes”

Dr. Ashman is the director of neuropsychology rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center. She will share her clinical expertise and offer best practices to address the emotional impact of a catastrophic injury and treat any cognitive impairment. A holistic team approach offers the greatest chance for successful reintegration and recovery.

Be on the lookout for our upcoming blogs, which will recap each presentation from the Innovation Symposium.