Dr. Robert Ryan:

It is a widely used model outside Ireland. Once one starts to intervene early, one is actually increasing the number of people with whom one will engage. It is simply not practical for everyone to see a doctor. The case manager represents a means of assessing people early and triaging them. It is a case of differentiating between the forms of intervention that are appropriate for particular groups. The model is such that some may be directed towards a doctor, some towards an occupational health nurse and others towards physiotherapy or occupational therapy. The model in the United Kingdom involves case management which escalates to referral to a nurse, doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist while linking in with the employer.