Breaking the web of needless disability

Issue title: Special Section 2: Work Injury Management

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Aurbach, Robert

Affiliations: Uncommon Approach, Inc, Melbourne, Australia

Note: [] Corresponding author: Robert Aurbach, 8/178 Ferguson 2 Inglis St., Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia. Tel.: +61 458 891 621; E-mail: Rob@uncommonapproach.com

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is well established that environmental factors can have impact upon an injured person's recovery and return-to-work outcomes. To date, there has been no cohesive model to provide theoretical understanding of the way in which these divergent factors combine to create disability behaviours. OBJECT: Development of a conceptual model for understanding the development of disability behavior. METHODS: Interpolation from existing neuroplasticity theory to observed behaviors and studies of behavior in the workers' compensation environment, including existing research concerning predictors for disability. RESULTS: The paper describes a conceptual model for understanding instances of disability that are not necessarily attributable to physical harm. Preliminary testing provides support for the model. CONCLUSIONS: Factors that contribute to the formation of a neural network supporting the behavior of learned disability are described. From that description, intervention methods to prevent or resolve so-called "needless disability" are discussed.

Keywords: Neuroplasticity, disability management, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141913

Journal: Work, vol. 48, no. 4, pp. 591-607, 2014