Title: When To Use A Functional Capacity Evaluation
Headings: When To Use A Functional Capacity Evaluation
When To Use A Functional Capacity Evaluation
What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
Types of Functional Capacity Evaluations
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The Benefits of Conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations in an Occupational Setting
The Components of a Functional Capacity Evaluation
Practical Applications of Functional Capacity Evaluations in the Workplace
Advantages of Conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations
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Content: Reduce the rate of workplace injuries
Reduce worker compensation claims and insurance costs
Create a safer work environment
Assist with the planning and structuring of effective return-to-work programs and guidelines
Minimise downtime
The Components of a Functional Capacity Evaluation
The components of a functional capacity evaluation will vary based on the purpose for which it is being conducted. FCEs are conducted on a one-on-one basis and may range in lengths from 4 hours up to two consecutive days. In an occupational setting, the worker will first be interviewed by either a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or exercise physiologist. That interview is then followed by a review of the worker's medical records. Next, a series of assessment activities are carried out, including: Material-handling activities (lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling)
Positional/postural tolerance activities (sitting, standing, walking, balancing, squatting, etc.) Pain monitoring
Cardiovascular fitness test (step test)
Endurance lift evaluations
Job specific tasks as required
Hand dexterity and coordination
Safe maximum lifting capacity
Safe maximum carrying capacity evaluation
Cognitive evaluations
Following the evaluation the worker, as well as the employer, will be provided with a comprehensive report produced by the physiotherapists, and occupational therapists or exercise physiologists detailing the following: The worker's ability to return safely to work
The need for any workplace modifications or adjustments, if any
The need for additional rehabilitation
Practical Applications of Functional Capacity Evaluations in the Workplace
Functional capacity evaluations are useful in the following occupational settings: To determine a worker's physical capabilities and limitations after an illness or injury
For pre-employment screenings to ensure that the potential worker is able cope with the physical and cognitive demands of the job position
To settle workers' compensation and disability cases
To determine whether a worker is able to safely return to his/her full job duties
To provide an objective analysis of a worker's functional performance so that the psychosocial factors that influence return-to-work outcomes can be identified
To identify additional rehabilitation needs of workers, if any
To obtain baseline measurements
Advantages of Conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations
Although the validity of functional capacity evaluations have received much criticism with regards to the extent it measures an individual's ability or inability to work, FCEs are still widely viewed as one of the most reliable and objective ways to measure a person's physical and cognitive capabilities. For employees, it ensures that there is a safe transition from injury to return-to-work.