1. ACC update Dr Kris Fernando.
ACC National Advisor: Psychology and Mental Health
April 2012
Branch Advisory Psychologists

2. Topics to be Covered Revised DATA Contract
Role of Branch Advisory Psychologists
Symptom Validity

3. Revised DATA Contract Choice of classification methods
Involvement of the treatment provider at a variety of levels depending on client need
Causation ‘a substantial’ cause
6 hours funding allocated for the assessment/report and an additional 2 hours available for complex cases – looking at this
Funding for TRR increased to 4 hours
No DATA – replaced by either TRR or IART
Impact on everyday functioning stressed.

4. Mental Injury Contract
Amalgamation of a number of assessment contracts
Three categories – MICPI, MICSA, WRMI
No significant change in assessor criteria – some flexibility (health, educational and counselling psychologists, psychotherapists)
At least 12 months away

5. Branch Advisory Psychologists
9 working in physical injury
10 in Sensitive Claims (2 psychotherapists)
All part-time ths
Most do clinical work outside of their BAP work
All highly skilled and experienced
Previously contracted – now the majority are employed and moving towards more centralised management
Has enabled more of a team approach and increased consistency nationwide

6. Role of Branch Advisory Psychologists
Provide advice to Claims Management Staff on clinical matters to facilitate recovery of clients
To educate providers as to ACC requirements
BAPs are now alerted when new providers come on board
Feedback to providers on their assessments and intervention reports
Identification of areas of strength and where improvements are required
ACC similarities and differences to the requirements of other organisations
The BAP is meant to be a colleague who can assist you with ACC requirements – smooth the path in working with ACC
KPI – Positive and constructive relationships with providers.
Provider Feedback questionnaire – please respond

7. Training/Supervision
Yearly PD allowance
Fortnightly teleconferences
Monthly peer review consultation
Annual Advisor’s 2-day conference
Regional advisor’s meetings 2-3 times a year
Additional face to face meeting
External supervision once a month

8. Symptom Validity DATA Contract
‘Note whether you have identified any inconsistencies in the information obtained from the client, additional sources, and/or psychometric measures administered.’
‘If you identify any inconsistencies, please provide possible reasons for their occurrence.’

9. Symptom Validity Cont….
What is being asked for is consideration of whether symptom validity may be an issue
Not an in-depth assessment
Informed consent and good rapport/relationship essential. Discussion of issues prior to the assessment.
Comprehensive clinical interview, review of relevant previous assessments/reports, collateral information
Use of psychometric measures if familiar with the measures and competent with the interpretation
If issues around symptom validity are identified, provide some hypotheses and rationale as to possible reasons for symptom exaggeration/fabrication

10. Symptom Validity Cont Possible signs of issues around symptom validity
Unlikely symptoms or clinical course
Inconsistency of symptom presentation
Bizarre or unlikely symptoms
Atypical fluctuation in symptoms in response to external incentives
Unusual response to intervention
Markedly discrepant capacity for work versus recreation

11. Symptom Validity Cont …
Familiarity with the symptom validity literature
Supervision
Careful documentation as to how you reached your conclusions and the rationale for your opinion
Provide hypotheses re why the client might be exaggerating/fabricating symptoms
State findings clearly using neutral language which is not derogatory
ACC will have an ongoing relationship with the client – need to work with the client re the identified SV issues and look to progress the client’s rehabilitation
Need to retain a respectful working relationship with clients.

12. ACC’s Responsibility
We need to be clearer as to what is required – evolving over time
Need to ensure that the client is treated fairly and ethically
Need to have a collaborative approach with providers and the professional bodies
Written guidelines
More training for providers and internal staff – written guidelines
National Panel for complex cases

13. ACC Contracts available for Psychologists
Diagnostic and Treatment Assessment Services
Psychological Services – Assessment and treatment
Pain Management Psychological Services – Assessment and Treatment
Neuropsychological Assessment Service
Concussion Services.
Procurement Contact Person