A comprehensive, trans-disciplinary return to work and lifestyle coaching program

AlphaOne Intensive is an evidence-based work readiness and lifestyle coaching program for people who are having difficulty achieving work return following injury. There are two optional formats of AlphaOne Intensive: 1) an 8-week group-based program including personal coaching, or 2) a one-to-one educational and lifestyle coaching program.

AlphaOne Intensive is a transdisciplinary approach as it involves a team of psychologists, exercise scientists, lifestyle coaches and physiotherapists working together to deliver a single, unified, theoretically-driven intervention. The theoretical framework for the program combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and lifestyle coaching. Participants learn in a group and with their coach about their own 'readiness to change' using the Transtheoretical model. Potential barriers to recovery are identified including physical symptoms, workplace issues and psychosocial issues such as anxiety, depression and fear avoidance. Psychologists and coaches help participants to apply pacing principles to reduce symptom flare-up and medication dependence and to improve physical fitness, mood management and lifestyle. The goal from the outset is to help each participant to crystallize a view of where they would like to be in 5-10 years, despite their injury, and to help them make progress towards this goal.

Injury Management has improved in many respects; most injured workers report their injury, get appropriate medical assessment and treatment, get appropriate time off work (where necessary), and, ideally, recover and return to work with undiminished productivity. This however is not always the case.

For those workers who are unable to return to the workforce following injury, AlphaOne Intensive offers an innovative approach specifically aimed at upgrading the work capacity of workers who have developed, or show signs of developing, long-term disability following a workplace injury.

Research demonstrates that cognitive-behavioural therapy and activity-based programs are among the most effective treatments of chronic injury. AlphaOne Intensive combines these approaches in a comprehensive, trans-disciplinary return-to-work and lifestyle coaching program.

AlphaOne Intensive achieves impressive results through a combination of individual and team-based interventions. The program:

• Supports each participant to develop a personalized, interesting and physically-appropriate exercise program.
• Increases participants' knowledge and skills for pacing in work, social and home activities and teaches strategies to avoid 'boom and bust' cycles.
• Provides participants' with clear, accurate, understandable information about their injury and how to achieve a satisfactory recovery.
• Increases participants' knowledge and skills in proven mood-management, behaviour change and problem-solving techniques.
• Provides participants with an understanding of the psychological impact of long-term injury and builds skills in cognitive behavioural therapy, resilience, coping, and overcoming fear. .
• Increases participants' nutritional knowledge and skills to assess and refine dietary practices.
• Increases participants' knowledge of sleep physiology and develops strategies for improved sleep practices.
• Provides positive communication between the employer, employee and insurer allowing realistic expectations to be clarified and matched.
• Facilitates group sessions which are educational, motivational and enjoyable, in an environment where experience and mutual encouragement can be shared.