Guideline 9. Adopting a biopsychosocial approach

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The return-to-work programme is based upon a biopsychosocial approach which combines medical, psychological and social aspects.

This approach recognizes disability to be the result of a dynamic interaction between reduced physical or mental function and legislative, physical and social environmental factors both within and beyond the workplace.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) offers an effective framework to systematically identify the biological, psychological and environmental factors in sickness absence, long-term disability and economic inactivity, and plan a safe and timely return to work. The approach recognizes the skills and competences of the person.

Guideline code

RTW_01400

Mechanism

The management should ensure that all professionals with responsibility for assessing a person’s potential for a return to work and job retention are adequately trained in the application of a biopsychosocial approach and, in particular, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.
To determine eligibility and potential for a return to work, the return-to-work professional should use assessment protocols which focus equally on a person’s health and personal factors, along with functional and environmental facilitators and barriers to a return to work and job retention.
The management should establish procedures to ensure that return to work and job retention plans for the person concerned are aimed at both building their capacity through training and rehabilitation, and adapting the work environment (including work organization and conditions) and providing appropriate assistive technologies.
The management should establish and monitor key performance indicators for professionals responsible for assessment and intervention with regard to returning to work and job retention.

Parent

B. Specific Return-to-work Principles and Guidelines

Structure

The board and management should adopt the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to inform assessment and intervention policies and procedures, to ensure that assessments of work capacity and potential for a return to work and job retention are based on a biopsychosocial approach.
The management should develop a short set of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health components and elements to be used throughout the organization to ensure a consistent and systematic approach to return to work and job retention policy and practice.
The management should develop clear criteria based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for decision-making about eligibility and potential for a return to work, which go beyond medical diagnosis to include functionality and personal and environmental factors.
The management should benchmark policies and procedures relevant to the return to work and job retention against international good practice in the application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to disability assessment and intervention.

Guideline 9. Adopting a biopsychosocial approach

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