Earlier early intervention – an evidence-based approach to RTW, from an income protection viewpoint

For our September 2022 webinar, we were delighted to have an update on the exciting return to work research by Swiss Re and the University of Huddersfield that we shared in Spring 2021.

The aim of the research project was to develop an “intervention” that could address RTW with absent employees earlier than our current income protection insurance policy deferred periods/notification timeframes usually allow, i.e., ideally from day 1 or at least within the first 4 weeks of absence.

At the time of recording the project was nearing the end of the initial 2-year phase of the project. The “intervention” being developed is a digital RTW tool for employees, to support them in feeling empowered to take control of their RTW planning, with the output being them developing a RTW Action Plan (that they share and agree with their employer and healthcare team), and the desired outcome being earlier RTW (and fewer/shorter insurance claims).

The digital tool was still under development, as the project moved into the second 2-year phase, but aspects of the prototype content were shared.

Our speakers

Stephanie McCahon, Claims Medical Manager, Swiss Re B. Occ. Thy (Hons), Cert. CII

Stephanie trained as an occupational therapist and has performed many rehabilitation roles in Australia and the UK. She joined Swiss Re’s life and health claims team in 2008. Her current role is Claims Medical Manager, leading a team of allied health professionals who work with Swiss Re’s insurer clients to apply clinical best practice to best practice disability claims management. Her team’s broad overview of and positive influence on the UK insurance rehabilitation market, and commitment to championing the cause of rehabilitation, delivering training, and conducting research was acknowledged in 2017 with the Insurer Contribution of the Year award at Post Magazine’s Rehabilitation First Awards. Stephanie is committed to ensuring her team are industry leaders in championing early intervention and holistic health management and is proud that this goal is clearly reflected in Swiss Re’s broader company mission: to make the world more resilient.

Dr Abasiama Etuknwa, Research Project Coordinator, Swiss Re – University of Huddersfield BSc., MSc., PhD.

Dr. Abasiama Etuknwa (Sema) is currently the Research Project Coordinator (KTP Associate) for the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between University of Huddersfield and Swiss Re. She holds a PhD in Business and Management. Her research interests are within the areas of work, health, and disability. She is particularly interested in determining practical solutions to reducing work-related risk to health, sickness absence and helping employees on sick leave return to work sustainably.