Genex: Communication, Safety Among Top Factors for Injured Workers

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 | 0

Genex said communication and safety were among the top five factors that injured workers identified during a 2020 patient satisfaction survey as important in meeting recovery goals.

“For nearly all the injured employees surveyed, the case manager’s ability to communicate with all parties, including other health care providers, adjusters and employers, was a key asset in helping them reach their functional potential,” the company said in a statement. “These interactions often go beyond sharing updates on the injured employee’s health outcomes and involve developing collaborative communication cycles to promote shared return-to-work goals.”

Genex reports that 90% of survey respondents said the case manager’s focus on getting them back to the job safely was a primary reason for their successful outcomes. Factors included setting realistic goals, obtaining accurate job descriptions and working with employers to develop light-duty options.

Including injured workers in discussions about their recovery plans was another factor cited by survey participants. They cited listening to their concerns, explaining different treatment options and working around conflicts with other parties as factors that contributed to a successful recovery from a work injury.

Another factor for success that workers cited included answering questions and addressing concerns.

Injured workers sometimes struggle with issues that can delay recovery, such as fear of reinjury, loss of income, family stress and concerns that various parties involved in the care plan don’t have the employee’s best interest at heart, the company said.

“For this reason, earning the employee’s trust is one of the hallmarks for case management success, according to interviewees,” Genex said. “In many cases, this includes being available when the injured employee needs them the most.”

Genex said the results of its 2020 survey showed 96.4% of respondents said the company’s field case managers positively impacted their recovery.