The Injured Workers Survey: development and clinical use of a psychosocial screening tool for patients with hand...

Hand therapists often recognize that their patients are experiencing psychosocial distress following traumatic hand injury but may lack the time and training to determine whether referral for psychological assessment and treatment is warranted. The Injured Workers Survey (IWS) is a brief, effective self-report tool that screens for psychosocial distress, in particular for characteristic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also collects clinically relevant information about other psychosocial issues that have a major effect on treatment outcomes. A recent research study has validated the IWS as a screen for PTSD and supports its routine use in the initial assessment of all patients with traumatic hand injuries. To the extent that psychosocial distress interferes with recovery, its early identification and treatment can optimize overall treatment outcomes and facilitate successful in return to work.