The fifth of six modules offered within Prevention Link’s core curriculum is an advanced course designed to assists participants in understanding medical terminology, anatomy and medical testing so they can interpret medical information in Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) files. Participants learn medical terminology, and human anatomy with attention to the different organ systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, auditory, ocular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and integumentary). Specific injuries (back, bone, MSIs, lower extremities) that are commonly seen in WSIB cases are discussed.
Topics discussed in detail include:
- Disorders such as chronic pain and fibromyalgia are discussed;
- Mental stress related injuries;
- WSIB policies relating to traumatic stress, psycho traumatic disability and behavioural disorders;
- The legislative authority for health care and the relevant WSIB policies;
- Evidence-based medicine and the difference between disease-oriented evidence (DOE);
- Patient-oriented evidentiary medicine (POEM);
- Medical specialists and Ontario standard;
- Medical records, independent medical examinations and treatment modalities and the use of OHCOW services;
- Diagnostic test used in determining workplace Injuries and some treatments, including their advantages and disadvantages; and
- Determining disability and impairment (Permanent Impairment rewards, how they are assessed and the different types of awards (PPDS and NELs).
Participants follow detailed calculations for these awards to understand how the degree of impairment translates into a monetary value. Finally, when and how redeterminations occur, are discussed.