The Pathway Back to Work Programme

Our managing absence programme is called Pathway back to Work - a system of care co-ordination and case management. It has been designed to return a sick or injured employee to a productive role in a timely way.

The programme model has been established to facilitate employers and employees through the provision of medical and psychosocial support services.  For insurance companies and employers the model addresses the significant cost of employee absence and claim settlement together with the personal difficulties suffered by the employee and results in an independent fully objective evaluation of the situation.

The programme has been designed based on the following premises:

  • The longer an employee is  absent from work, the lower the probability of return to work (Robinson et al. - 1997)
  • Belief in own dysfunction is a significant factor in duration of absence; this tends to worsen over time. (Pearson  - 2001)
  • Early intervention results in significant reduction in medical practitioner visits and shorter work absences. (Zigenfus et al. – 2000)

We have been providing this integrated approach since 2003 and have worked successfully with over 100 companies including Insurance Companies providing them with a cost effective support solution to help them to manage absenteeism levels and reduce associated costs

The programme is provided by a team of occupational health professionals including Occupational Health nurses, organisational psychologists, physiotherapist and is overseen by our Clinical Director who is also a Consultant in Occupational Medicine.

Our method of work is based on the bio-psychosocial model of health and illness which emphasises personal responsibility for effecting change, so as to improve personal coping mechanisms and abilities with participants learning how to manage depression, stress and to increase their assertiveness skills.  

The advantages of the 'Pathway back to Work Programme'

  • Medical case managers obtain expedited medical treatment by coordinating and channelling the treatment
  • Return to work is in a timely manner by co-ordination and facilitation of effective communication among employees, employers, claims personnel and support personnel
  • Injured / Ill employee assisted to return to work by collaborating with the employer to identify work duties.

How does the programme work?

  • Phone 01 - 2993570 for a referal form
  • Complete and return the referral form
  • Case management commences by appointed case manager
  • Treatment recommendations and costs are agreed with employer beforehand
  • Case manager acts as central liasion person
  • Regular reports are provided to both parties 

For more information, please contact Aine Donovan