| Popis: |
Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) following a road traffic crash results in many people seeking treatment through a compensation scheme. This process has been reported as having a negative impact on health and recovery. This thesis investigates health, recovery and claim outcomes in people with WAD in a compensation context. The Whiplash Outcome Study prospectively recruited and enrolled 246 people. Health outcomes were assessed within three months, 12 and 24 months post injury. The findings suggest one in four claimants remained in the compensation system longer than 24 months. Improvement in health occurred up to 12 months. More than 50% of the cohort continued to have moderate to severe disability and psychological symptoms 24 months post injury. Claimants with WAD can be predicted to follow three distinct recovery trajectories. The profile of those in the trajectories suggest physical and psychological factors are important and should be addressed in claim and clinical interventions. A vulnerable group of claimants emerged who presented with poorer baseline disability and psychological factors that might make them susceptible to the unintended negative consequences of compensation processes. It is recommended that these claimants are identified, and appropriate interventions instigated aimed at minimising their exposure to compensation system stressors. |
