SIRA - State Insurance Regulatory Authority of New South Wales
SIRA - State Insurance Regulatory Authority of New South Wales
11/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/07/2024 18:06
SIRA sponsors research into the effectiveness of the Workplace Rehabilitation Provider service
SIRA sponsors research into the effectiveness of the Workplace Rehabilitation Provider service
8 November 2024
SIRA is currently undertaking an evaluation to better understand the effectiveness and quality of Workplace Rehabilitation Provider (WRP) services in the Workers Compensation Scheme.
In July 2024, SIRA appointed Urbis Pty Ltd, in partnership with Monash University, as the successful evaluation partners following a Request for Tender process. Urbis Pty Ltd and Monash University are conducting an outcomes and economic (cost-effectiveness) evaluation of WRP services using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
WRP services can be engaged as part of a claim, in addition to services provided by the employer, insurer and treating practitioner(s). WRPs offer extra support such as when there is difficulty identifying suitable duties for a worker, if a worker has a complex injury, when there is delayed recovery and/or when a communication breakdown occurs.
In the 2023/24 financial year WRP services accounted for approximately $250 million per year, with just over 100 approved providers.
This SIRA-funded evaluation seeks to:
- understand the current state and effectiveness of service delivery models and interventions delivered by WRP services
- understand the overall effectiveness and performance of workplace rehabilitation services in delivering recovery through work outcomes in NSW
- identify areas to support the improvement and consistency of service delivery across WRPs
- inform the ongoing measurement of the WRP program now and into the future.
SIRA will use these findings to inform the development of a regulatory and outcomes framework and provide guidance to the ongoing management of WRPs. This evaluation will support SIRA to hold regulated entities accountable in delivering optimal outcomes and value, thereby ensuring that schemes operate to achieve their objectives for customers.