AOHC Encore 2023-313 Occ Docs Can Help Unlucky Workers Have a Happier Ending

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Jennifer Christian discusses how she helps workers at risk of a poor outcome. She mentions the mismatch between the worker's recovery process and the workers' compensation claim closure process. Jennifer describes four cases to illustrate the challenges and uncertainties faced by workers in the system. The first case is Matt, a machinist who had a traumatic amputation of his right hand. Jennifer emphasizes the need for vocational rehabilitation to be available from the moment of injury to help workers plan for their future employment. The second case is Rudy, a concrete worker who had a left shoulder replacement. Jennifer highlights the importance of early intervention and support to prevent over-impairment and loss of livelihood. The third case is Rachel, a cashier with hand pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Jennifer suggests that workers' compensation systems should consider vocational counseling and services as part of medical treatment. Finally, the fourth case is Tony, a food manufacturing worker who suffered from COVID-19. Jennifer emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals and employers to provide support and guidance to workers during the recovery process. She proposes that loss of livelihood should be recognized as a poor outcome of a worker's injury or illness. Jennifer concludes by recommending changes to clinical practice, policy, and program design to improve outcomes for workers.

Keywords

Jennifer Christian

workers at risk

poor outcome

mismatch

recovery process

vocational rehabilitation

early intervention

loss of livelihood

carpal tunnel syndrome

COVID-19