Problems such as back, neck and muscle pain are the most common cause of workplace absence, according to the Sickness absence in the workplace report, published by the Office for National Statistics in February 2014. Musculoskeletal issues also account for the largest amount of healthcare spend across different industry sectors. So it makes good business sense to have the strategy and tools in place to help support employees with this health risk.
Having the right healthcare plan in place is an essential component for businesses that wish to support musculoskeletal problems with a holistic approach. Healthcare providers are now able to offer much more than a comprehensive level of cover at the point of claiming. Innovations in services, tools and how people access treatment all help to support musculoskeletal sufferers at every stage of their journey. These stages include:
Prevention
Musculoskeletal problems can be caused by a number of factors including manual handling, uncomfortable working positions and working too long without breaks. While not all back pain can be prevented, tackling a number of health risk factors can help alleviate musculoskeletal conditions. In particular, regular physical activity is of great benefit.
Healthcare plans often provide cost-effective tools which can encourage employees to make appropriate lifestyle choices. For example, through health and wellbeing portals and apps, employees can gain access to advice from a wide range of personalised health content. Employers may also want to invest in health promotion activities, such as educational on-site events, health MOTs and nutrition clinics.
Healthcare providers work in close partnership with industry experts and can save employers time, by looking for the right provider to address their specific workplace health challenges. There may even be discounted rates available to help save money too.
Quick identification and treatment
The longer an employee is off work with back pain, the less likely it is they will return to work. Therefore, it is important that employees access appropriate care, such as physiotherapy, quickly.
Some healthcare providers can help with this, for example, by offering self-referral for services such as physiotherapy or by directing employees to a preferred provider or provider network. This enables scheme members to arrange an appointment at a time and place convenient to them. This approach can significantly reduce the average waiting time for treatment to start when compared with access to a high street physiotherapist by GP referral. For example, analysis based on outpatient physiotherapy paid claims under Cigna schemes in 2014 showed that scheme members typically complete their treatment plan with around two fewer sessions and at a lower cost per session. Subsequent data analysing return on investment showed that this can provide employers with an overall saving of 41% on physiotherapy treatment.
Supporting recovery
Musculoskeletal conditions can affect people in ways that may go far beyond the obvious aches and pains. It is not uncommon for musculoskeletal sufferers to develop mood disorders and mental health problems. Employers should, therefore, look to treat the whole person, rather than just their symptoms. This could include signposting members to online self-help techniques or seeking referral to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions where appropriate.
For individuals who need surgery, meanwhile, enhanced rehabilitation services can provide a personal recovery programme and health check, along with elements such as exercise and diet advice.
Ongoing management
It is helpful to monitor trends and healthcare plan dashboards are a useful tool to identify musculoskeletal claim hot spots. Providers can work closely with employers to help deliver these insights and identify the right solutions to drive business health priorities. It is also important for employers to communicate the value of the healthcare package to their workforce and create awareness of the benefits and support available.
With the right healthcare provider on board, employers can take a huge step forward in creating a positive environment where all employees can thrive. Taking a holistic approach puts employers back in control of their best business asset: their people.
Michelle Rae is head of product management at Cigna
