The Science Behind the Service

HCB Case Managers are laser-focussed on sustainable outcomes. Their work is underpined by three pillars, which combine to make HCB South Africa a unique provider of Employee Health Management Systems.

What is the ‘BioPsychoSocial (BPS) Model’?

People talk in general terms about the BPS model, that taken literally to mean understanding whether a condition resulting in absence from the workplace is the result of a biological, psychological or socially determined condition.

HCB’s unique understanding and deployment of the BPS model starts right at the beginning, at the very first engagement with an employee. At this point, it is necessary that we Determine the real Cause of absence – this enables us to only deploy the expensive and precious ‘medical model’ where we are sure there is a medical condition to treat!

Biological conditions are easy. They can generally be quickly and efficiently diagnosed by a clinician, and treatment pathways are available. HCB works with employees towards understanding and managing absence duration in this type of case, often supported by established disability duration guidelines which help us case manage treatment to ensure a timely return to work.

Psychological conditions are more tricky because some of them are largely self-reported and subjective. Again, either as a result of clinical diagnosis, or HCB early intervention, these conditions can be identified and steps taken to implement appropriate treatment / signposting as the earliest possible time. Of course, there is an inherent danger to delayed engagement where Psychological issues prevail, and these conditions can be expected to worsen over time where unresolved. Another good reason for utilising HCB’s early intervention services.

Socially determined absence can be attributed to a significant and increasing number of workplace absences. There is evidence that as much as 70% of sickness absence is socially determined and often wrongly medicalised by the medical profession. For this reason, HCB invest significant time and effort at the initial engagement with absentees to identify those cases which are actually socially determined, which enable our clinicians to (a) avoid deployment of the medical model where there Is no medical condition to treat, and (b) identify the real barriers preventing the person from returning to work, and using appropriate resource and support to help dismantle those barriers in pursuit of a meaningful outcome for all stakeholders.