1.5 to 1.8

Summary of Key Points:

Types of Disabling Definitions:

1. Restrictions/Limitations:

   • Defined as physical or mental impairments that hinder job responsibilities.

   • Assessed by professionals like doctors or therapists.

2. Permanent/Temporary Disability:

   • Permanent Disability: Lasting restrictions with no improvement expected.

   • Temporary Disability: Restrictions that improve, potentially restoring pre-condition capacity.

3. Total/Partial Disability:

   • Total Disability: Prevents all work activities.

   • Partial Disability: Limits full physical capacity but allows some work activities.

4. Plateau/Maximum Medical Recovery (MMR):

   • A stage where further improvement is unlikely, marking a stable health status.

5. Permanent Functional Impairment:

   • Long-term restrictions caused by illness/injury that are unlikely to change.

Return-to-Work Hierarchy:

1. Return to pre-accident/illness occupation.

2. Work in another position with the same employer.

3. Employment in the same industry.

4. Employment in any industry.

5. Retraining or acquiring new skills.

6. (Optional) Self-employment in some jurisdictions.

Roles of Health Care Professionals:

1. General Practitioner (GP): Addresses general health concerns across all ages.

2. Specialists: Focus on specific medical issues (e.g., cardiologists, neurologists).

3. Physiatrist: Specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

4. Psychiatrist: Treats mental and emotional health issues.

5. Psychologist: Conducts mental health therapy and assessments.

6. Physiotherapist: Provides physical therapy for injuries or dysfunctions.

7. Occupational Therapist (OT): Helps clients achieve independence through purposeful activities.

8. Massage Therapist: Offers therapeutic massage for recovery.

9. Kinesiologist: Studies and applies human movement mechanics.

10. Chiropractor: Uses manual therapy to improve joint or nervous system function.

11. Life Care Planner: Creates plans for long-term care needs and costs after severe injuries.

Quiz:

Part 1: Disabling Definitions

1. What defines a permanent disability?
   a) Restrictions that improve over time.
   b) Limitations with no expected change.
   c) Complete incapacity to work.
   d) Temporary functional impairment.

2. What does Maximum Medical Recovery indicate?
   a) The worker has recovered fully.
   b) The condition has reached a stable state with no significant improvement expected.
   c) The person cannot perform any work.
   d) Recovery is still ongoing.

Part 2: Return-to-Work Hierarchy

3. Which is the first priority in the return-to-work hierarchy?
   a) Employment in any industry.
   b) Retraining.
   c) Return to pre-accident occupation.
   d) Self-employment.

4. When is retraining considered in the return-to-work hierarchy?
   a) Before returning to the same employer.
   b) Only after other steps are explored.
   c) As the first option.
   d) When no positions are available in the same industry.

Part 3: Roles of Health Care Professionals

5. What is the role of a physiotherapist?
   a) Diagnose psychological disorders.
   b) Develop long-term care plans.
   c) Treat injuries through exercises and physical treatments.
   d) Perform spinal adjustments.

6. Who specializes in emotional and mental health but is not a medical doctor?
   a) Psychiatrist.
   b) Psychologist.
   c) Physiatrist.
   d) General Practitioner.

Answer Key:

1. b) Limitations with no expected change.

2. b) The condition has reached a stable state with no significant improvement expected.

3. c) Return to pre-accident occupation.

4. b) Only after other steps are explored.

5. c) Treat injuries through exercises and physical treatments.

6. b) Psychologist.

4o