What are ‘catastrophic injuries’? Why is so important to manage them well in the workplace, and how can it be done?

‘Catastrophic injuries’ are given this name due to the impact they have on the lives of those who experience them. They include brain injury, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, accidental amputation, severe burns and multiple traumas.

At the US Bureau of Workers’ Compensation 7^th Annual Workers’ Compensation Conference earlier this year, presenter Jo Carter discussed the complex nature of catastrophic injuries. Apart from physical impairment, repercussions for patients of such injuries can include volatility, costliness and the requirement of expert management.

Catastrophic  injuries, she said, require “significant coordination”, such as the “right provider, right time, right treatments/therapy, and coordination by the right case manager”. She also explained that in the US catastrophic injuries comprise 1/10 of 1% of all workers’ compensation claims, yet account for 30% of the total medical dollars paid.

Catastrophic injuries can also lead to behavioural and psychological issues, chronic pain, and less than optimal decision-making. It is essential that the management of such injuries is compassionate, and is effective and of a high quality.

We know that life doesn’t need to stop after a catastrophic injury; just read Mario’s case study on this site. He returned to work after a car accident left him with quadriplegia. He was helped by a positive attitude, technological aids, supportive friends and an accommodating, flexible management.

The many players in the management of these injuries, as Ms Carter outlined, are family members, medical treatment team, claims representative, employer, attorney, therapists, case manager and home health care providers. Management should be outcome focused, expert and collaborative, she said.

According to Australian management site Bnet (bnet.com.au) it is not only the bigger picture management issues that are important, but also “the little things”, “such as having someone from the company show up at the hospital to spend some time with the patient.”

US claims manager Davida McCloskey, interviewed on Bnet, said getting access to expert assistance is the best way to help both worker and employer. "The bottom line for me as a claims manager, employing the best available resources is the best way to control the cost both in financial and human terms," he said.

The challenges surrounding these injuries are elevated, therefore, so too should be the quality of their management. Effective rehabilitation, something we talk about a lot on RTWMatters, really comes into play here. The importance of emotional as well as physical support, the encouragement of motivation and a positive attitude, and good communication between the worker, health provider and employer is vital when it comes to catastrophic injuries.