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Activity Related Soft Tissue Disorder Services
The Activity-related Soft Tissue Disorder (ASTD) Services are designed for workers with pathology related to overuse. The Services consist of the following components:
- ASTD Medical Assessment
- ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program
- ASTD Workplace-Based Services; and
- ASTD Combined Program (includes components of both Clinic-Based and Workplace-Based Services).
Description of services
a) ASTD Medical Assessment
A medical assessment to provide diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations. Recommendations for further investigations
may result in an ASTD Medical Followup Visit.
b) ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program
The ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program is offered by a multidisciplinary
team including Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Physicians
and Psychologists/Clinical Counselors. Services are provided at the clinic
only. Treatment is tailored to the needs of the individual and includes:
• Activities to promote flexibility, strength and endurance;
• Real or simulated work activities;
• Confirmation of critical job demands;
• Physician or psychological support as required;
• Education on self management, pain management, ergonomics and work
style issues;
• Recommendations for worksite modification; and
• Job Site Visits and/or development of an ASTD RTW Plan at the request
of the Case Manager;
c) ASTD Workplace-Based Services
Services are provided at the workplace. Services can be delivered by any
team member. The Case Manager can request any or all of the following
services:
• Development and implementation of a RTW plan;
• Employer contact to confirm job attachment, pre injury job demands
and return to work options; and
• Job Site Visits for confirmation of critical job demands, job coaching,
detailed review of work demands and exploration of simple modifications
d) ASTD Combined Program
Services are provided at the clinic and the workplace and include the
components of the Clinic-Based Treatment Program and Workplace -Based
Services.
Admission criteria
a) ASTD Medical Assessment
Worker may or may not have an accepted ASTD claim and requires diagnostic
clarification.
b) All ASTD Services, excluding ASTD Medical Assessment
• Worker must have an accepted ASTD claim and may have:
• an ASTD-related functional deficit or impairment that has not responded
to initial attempts to facilitate or maintain RTW; and/or
• the presence of vocational, psychosocial and/or medical issues
which require the involvement of one or more members of the multidisciplinary
team to facilitate RTW or maintain work attachment.
c) ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program & ASTD Combined Program
Worker must have diagnostic clarification; most often achieved though
completion of either a MARP or ASTD Medical Assessment prior to initiation
of service.
d) ASTD Workplace-Based Services
Worker must be job-attached or have a potential employer willing to accommodate
a modified RTW plan.
Length of service
a) ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program
Typically 6 hours per day 5 days per week to a maximum 30 business days.
b) ASTD Workplace-Based Services
To a maximum of 40 business days
c) ASTD Combined Program
Typically 6 hours per day, 5 days per week to a maximum 60 business days occur at
the clinic or the workplace.
Service locations
ASTD treatment is offered at WorkSafeBC-approved clinics throughout B.C.
Referral process
Workers are referred to the program by a WorkSafeBC officer.
Inquiries
For program inquiries, please call Health Care Services at 604 232-7787 or toll-free at 1 866 244-6404, or see ASTD contact details for more information.