When a catastrophic injury occurs, many people focus on the immediate, physical implications that will affect the injured worker. While this is important, it’s not the only aspect of recovery that should be taken into account. A catastrophic injury requires a very high level of care, including psychological support to address a range of issues around the accident, the injury and life outside the hospital. By taking a biopsychosocial approach to managing a catastrophic injury case, the care team can focus on the whole person to achieve the best recovery possible.

3 Factors to Consider when Managing a Catastrophic Injury

When it comes to complex case management and rehabilitation, it’s important to pay particular attention to three main psychosocial areas. If not managed well, these factors have the potential to disrupt the rehabilitation process and interfere with the ability to return to work.

• Substance abuse: A history of alcohol or substance abuse can play a major role in the recovery from a catastrophic injury. Nearly two-thirds of people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury have a history of alcohol abuse, and more than half of TBI survivors will suffer from depression within the first year, according to Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center (TBINDSC).
• Resources: It’s important to keep an eye out for any legal, financial and guardianship issues that may arise for the injured worker during his or her recovery. By identifying a designated party to assist with managing resources and making decisions about long-term needs, it’s possible to avoid many of the pitfalls that accompany these issues.
• Aging workforce: The rising age of the average worker brings about its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to recovering from a catastrophic injury. From longer healing times to appropriate long-term care and living solutions, each case must be treated uniquely based on the injured worker’s specific capabilities.

When it comes to recovering from a catastrophic injury, having a team in place that sees the whole picture – and the whole person – can make an enormous difference. By taking a holistic approach facilitated by an experienced nurse case manager, injured workers can work toward achieving an optimal recovery. To learn more about Paradigm Outcomes and our strategies for complex case management, visit our website.