IHSA Treatment Planning & Protocols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A certified coach is creating a treatment protocol for a worker with chronic low back pain. Which approach aligns with evidence-based IHSA standards?
- Passive modalities only, such as heat and massage
- Active rehabilitation including strengthening and functional reconditioning (Correct answer)
- Complete bed rest for 4–6 weeks
- Immediate surgical consultation
Correct answer: Active rehabilitation including strengthening and functional reconditioning
Evidence-based standards for chronic low back pain favor active rehabilitation over passive-only approaches to restore function.
Question 2: When must a treatment plan include a mental health component for an injured worker?
- Never, as mental health is outside the coach's scope
- Only when directed by a physician
- When psychosocial factors are identified as barriers to recovery (Correct answer)
- Only in cases of workplace fatality
Correct answer: When psychosocial factors are identified as barriers to recovery
Psychosocial barriers such as fear-avoidance or depression are recognized recovery barriers and must be addressed in the plan.
Question 3: An injured worker refuses part of the prescribed treatment protocol. The coach should FIRST:
- Discharge the worker for non-compliance
- Document the refusal and explore the worker's concerns (Correct answer)
- Override the refusal and proceed with treatment
- Contact the employer immediately
Correct answer: Document the refusal and explore the worker's concerns
Documenting the refusal and exploring concerns respects autonomy while maintaining clear records and opening dialogue.
Question 4: Which principle guides the frequency of treatment sessions in an IHSA-aligned protocol?
- Maximum allowable visits under insurance policy
- The worker's preference exclusively
- Clinical necessity based on functional deficits and goals (Correct answer)
- Standard fixed 3x/week regardless of condition
Correct answer: Clinical necessity based on functional deficits and goals
Session frequency must be clinically justified based on the nature and severity of functional deficits relative to treatment goals.
Question 5: In infrastructure worksites, which environmental factor is MOST commonly added to treatment protocols to prevent recurrence?
- Weather monitoring
- Ergonomic workstation redesign or task modification (Correct answer)
- Peer support programs
- Insurance claim audits
Correct answer: Ergonomic workstation redesign or task modification
Ergonomic task modification addresses the physical demands that caused the injury and is key to preventing recurrence in infrastructure settings.
Question 6: A treatment plan for a utility worker with a shoulder injury should include which type of goal by week 4?
- Complete pain elimination
- Return to overhead lifting within job-specific tolerance thresholds (Correct answer)
- Discharge from all care
- Referral for surgical evaluation only
Correct answer: Return to overhead lifting within job-specific tolerance thresholds
Functional goals tied to job-specific tasks, such as overhead lifting tolerances, guide measurable milestone-based recovery.
Question 7: Which of the following is a RED FLAG that would prompt immediate re-evaluation of a treatment protocol?
- Mild soreness after therapeutic exercise
- Significant functional decline after two consecutive sessions (Correct answer)
- Worker reports fatigue at end of workday
- Slight increase in pain at week 1
Correct answer: Significant functional decline after two consecutive sessions
Significant functional decline after consecutive sessions signals the protocol may be inappropriate and warrants immediate clinical reassessment.
IHSA Treatment Planning & Protocols 3
A certified coach is creating a treatment protocol for a worker with chronic low back pain.
Which approach aligns with evidence-based IHSA standards?