Disability management: Developing the ideal disability management model. The Diamond Health Management model.

Abstract

Disability management is a relatively new field that has received some attention recently. Although organizations have traditionally avoided the management of disability and its associated costs, they cannot continue to do so. This paper demonstrated the high costs associated with workplace injuries. A literature search led to a plethora of models for managing disability. The purpose of this paper was to prove the need for disability management, but more importantly to develop an ideal disability management model: the Diamond Health Management (DHM) model. The model developed in this paper was the result of analyzing several models in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. Key elements were applied to the DHM Model. The DHM Model has gone beyond other models in its completeness and simplicity. As well, the DHM Model has a focus on the new challenges facing disability management: psychological disorders, substance abuse, and repetitive strain injuries. Evidence was presented to support the elements present in the DHM Model. Finally, suggestions for future research and implications for the field were discussed.