Definitions
A case will be high profile if:
- the member was involved in a major incident involving deaths and/or severe injuries; or
- the case could attract media attention.
A case will be complex if it is likely to require a greater input of resources, both in terms of the number of stakeholders involved and the input required from the ADFRP or Rehabilitation for Reservists Program Rehabilitation Consultant.
A Case Complexity Flags Model is used to assess:
- the nature and severity of the member's clinical conditions, including for example, significant disability, multiple injuries or illnesses (red flags);
- issues identified during the psychosocial assessment including for example, withdrawal from activity of daily living and work, or lack of family or social support (yellow flags);
- perceived features of the work or social environment that may delay recovery or present a barrier to returning to work (blue flags); and
- other objective risk factors relating to financial security, work contact and compensation and include for example, duration of sick/convalescence leave (black flags).
Each coloured flag has an associated rating and the total rating scored is used as an indicator in determining if a case is complex. A rating score of 10 or above may be considered complex, but it is the manner in which the individual manages the problems that identifies complexity, and not necessarily the score.
Phases of activity
There are two distinct phases of activity regarding serving members who are severely injured, have multiple and complex needs and who may also be classified as ‘high profile’ cases.
The two phases are covered in section 4.6.1 and section 4.6.2 of this Guide.