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Provider newsletter — Rehab@DVA

Rehab@DVA is a newsletter, providing information and updates for providers of rehabilitation services.

2019

Previous years' issues

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Rehabilitation Provider Information Sessions

DVA holds quarterly Rehabilitation Provider Information Sessions (RPIS) which aim to create a collaborative forum to ensure providers across Australia are updated on current and upcoming DVA policies and initiatives.

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Overview of rehabilitation in DVA

DVA provides whole-of-person rehabilitation services to help veterans, serving and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, reservists and cadets adapt to, and recover from, injury or illness related to their ADF service. Screening, assessment, service provision and monitoring are provided through Comcare approved or Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) endorsed providers.

In order to address the psychosocial, medical management, and vocational needs of clients, providers may address key areas such as:

  • psychological health
  • family and relationship support
  • social isolation and connectedness
  • level of engagement with family, community and society.

DVA rehabilitation terms and definitions

See DVA's rehabilitation terms and definitions.

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DVA's best practice approach to rehabilitation

DVA's client-centred approach means clients receive an individually tailored rehabilitation programme to suit their personal needs and circumstances. DVA connects clients with service providers and ensures they have the information to make informed choices. More information is available about the types of rehabilitation program which might form part of a rehabilitation plan.

As a member of the Heads of Workers' Compensation Authorities Australia and New Zealand (HWCA), DVA embraces the rehabilitation philosophies outlined in the HWCA Biopsychosocial Injury Management Package.

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Rehabilitation Services Information Pack

The DVA Rehabilitation Services Information Pack has been developed to support the delivery of a comprehensive, holistic best practice rehabilitation service. This resource explains DVA's rehabilitation philosophy and equips providers with a better understanding of its clients and DVA's approach to rehabilitation.

If you have any comments or feedback regarding the pack, please email rehab.service.providers [at] dva.gov.au

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Roles in the rehabilitation process

The rehabilitation delegate and rehabilitation service provider work closely with DVA clients to ensure the rehabilitation plan meets the client's needs.

DVA rehabilitation delegate

The rehabilitation delegate:

  • is a DVA staff member who approves, funds and monitors the programme of activities under the rehabilitation plan which apply
  • considers the client's level of functioning, medical advice about the client's circumstances, any barriers to rehabilitation and the relevant legislation, policies and procedures which apply
  • links the client, rehabilitation service provider/s, treating medical practitioners, allied health workers, service providers and training organisations
  • is responsible for deciding who will provide what rehabilitation services for the client. The choice of rehabilitation service providers will depend on the specific needs of the client and the services that are available in the client's local area

Rehabilitation providers

Rehabilitation providers are contracted by DVA to provide specific services including conducting assessments, developing the rehabilitation plan with the client and managing the plan on behalf of DVA to achieve optimal outcomes.

Providers used for a client's rehabilitation fall into four main categories:

  1. Rehabilitation providers are responsible for coordination, organising assessments for services and support required by the client, working with the client to develop their rehabilitation plan, managing and coordinating the client's plan, liaising with DVA about progress towards rehabilitation goals, and assessing of all daily management and accessing of all approved services required by the client.
  2. Health and Allied Health providers including general practitioners, medical specialists, dentists, psychologists, rehabilitation counsellors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, podiatrists, prosthetists, orthotists, masseurs or chiropractors and dieticians who may be involved in the client's treatment or their medical management rehabilitation plan.
  3. Training providers are accredited educational institutions or training providers at state or national levels.
  4. Support service providers include agencies or individuals who can provide specific services that assist in job preparation, job seeking or job placement for people seeking employment; services of a domestic nature (to assist with cooking, house cleaning, laundry and gardening services); personal or nursing care providers required for the essential and regular personal care of the client; and services which assist in altering a client's place of residence, work or training, or can provide rehabilitation aids and appliances.
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Reporting documents

Providers are required to use the following forms when delivering rehabilitation services for DVA clients:

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Vocational Rehabilitation Work Trial information

DVA clients on a rehabilitation plan may participate in a work trial as part of their vocational rehabilitation. A work trial is hosted by an employer within the community. DVA has in place insurance to ensure that the host employer and the DVA client are protected during the work trial. Further information about work trials and documentation associated with the work trial process can be found in the Vocational Rehabilitation Provider Procedural Guideline (PPG).

Rehabilitation consultants must provide the Insurance Manual, below, to the client prior to the work trial commencing. The insurance claim forms must be completed if an incident occurs during a work trial:

The Work Trial Agreement and Work Trial Attendance Diary, below, must be completed and signed by the client before and during the work trial respectively.

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DVA rehabilitation provider requirements

Consultant registration process

Rehabilitation consultants must be approved by DVA before delivering rehabilitation services for DVA clients. To apply for a consultant to be registered with DVA, providers should complete and submit a DVA Rehabilitation Consultant Registration form to rehab.service.providers [at] dva.gov.au

This form also needs to be completed for a consultant’s registration to be transferred to a new provider.

Providers should also advise DVA when a registered consultant ceases employment by emailing rehab.service.providers [at] dva.gov.au

Rehabilitation provider guidelines

Rehabilitation Provider Procedural Guidelines offer further instructions to rehabilitation providers and their consultants in meeting DVA requirements.

Quick reference guides

Other resources

Both Comcare and HWCA outline expected levels of service provision and requirements for approval as accredited service providers. More information can be found in:

DVA also abides by the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services.

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Goal Attainment Scaling

Goal Attainment Scaling is now incorporated into DVA's suite of rehabilitation forms for providers — see the Reporting Documents.

The following presentation provides an overview of Goal Attainment Scaling:

Questions and Answers can be found in the Goal Attainment Scaling Q&A document (DOCX 35 KB). This document will be updated as questions are received on Goal Attainment Scaling. (Last updated 27 February 2017)

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Useful links

AT-Ease

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling

Australian Defence Force

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Contact

For more information about how to provide rehabilitation services for DVA please contact the Rehabilitation and Compensation team in your state on 133 254.

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