A Tasmanian study has revealed that a 'disproportionately high'
number of workers' compensation claimants on weekly (as opposed to
lump-sum) payments suffer from 'process-related psychological
injuries'.
The WorkCover Tasmania Long Term Benefits Study,
conducted by researchers at the University of Tasmania, explored
the impact of the workers' compensation process on long-term
claimants.
Interviews, surveys and statistical analysis were used to examine
the physical, financial and social health of long-term claimants;
differences between compensation options; and "drivers" for
decision-making associated with these options.
Initial research found a 'statistically significant' number of
claimants on weekly payments suffered from process-related
psychological injuries.
'It may seem obvious, but it is important to remember that
claimants in the workers' compensation claims process are there
because they are injured and/or ill, and this often includes
serious psychological injury,' the researchers said.
"The qualitative data suggests that some compensation claimants
who might benefit from a lump-sum payment are avoiding pursuing
this because of the additional stress it involves that might
further undermine their already fragile psychological health.
'This finding suggests that psychological injury presents
challenges that the claims process could address more positively,'
they said.
However, when process-related psychological injury was examined in
relation to general health, respondents reported poor health
'irrespective of compensation pathway', causing researchers to
conclude that, overall, 'payment mode has 'little impact' on
long-term financial, social and health outcomes'.
