A functional capacity evaluation is an assessment that evaluates an individual’s capacity to perform physical and/or psychological duties. A successful functional capacity evaluation provides an accurate determination of capacity and also offers a baseline measurement of a person’s ability.
Types of Functional Capacity Evaluations
Specifically, there are two different types of functional capacity evaluations used to assess an individual’s abilities: physical and psychological.
What is involved in a Physical Functional Capacity Evaluation?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation begins with a pre-screening process and a client interview to gain an understanding of an individual’s current injury status, symptoms, treatments and psychosocial factors that may impact the recovery or return to work process.
Once this has been completed, an individual will then complete various functional tests which include a range of motion, graded manual handling, and positional tolerance activities. This assesses the individual’s current physical status.
Activities carried out during the assessment also include:
- Grip test
- Cardiovascular fitness test (step test)
- Postural tolerance tests (sitting, standing, squatting and kneeling)
- Safe maximum lifting capacity
- Endurance lift evaluation
- Safe maximum carrying capacity evaluation
- Job-specific tasks (as required)
- Manual handling analysis
Following the completion of your assessment, a report will be prepared summarising the key findings from the evaluation. The report will also include the individual’s demonstrated functional capacities, job-specific physical abilities, job match information, and treatment recommendations.
What is involved in a psychological functional capacity evaluation?
A psychological functional capacity assessment evaluates an individual’s capacity to perform various psychological or cognitive tasks and offers a baseline measurement of that person’s current symptoms and fitness for work.
The evaluation is performed by a consultant with appropriate qualifications in psychology and follows the following process:
- Referral is actioned/appointment availability is typically confirmed within 24 hours
- The assessment is then scheduled typically within 2 weeks of the initial referral
- Psychometric testing is conducted (1.5hrs)
- Assessment of disorder and nature of psychological symptoms
- Assessment of abstract reasoning ability
- Assessment of executive functioning
- Clinical interview with a registered psychologist (1 hour)
- Semi-structured interview
- Mental status examination
- Report with capacity opinion provided (typical within 1-2 weeks post date of assessment)
Effective psychological capacity assessments utilise evidence-based psychometric tests as they have been determined to be highly valid and reliable. This then allows for an objective and standardised understanding of an individual’s current function to be made.
This includes:
- Symptoms severity
- Ability to think clearly, concentrate and plan tasks
- Ability to interact with colleagues effectively
When is a Functional Capacity Evaluation needed?
There are various reasons why a person may need to undertake a functional capacity evaluation. They include:
- Clarification on an individual’s ability to perform tasks and for how long
- If a person has reported aggravations of their condition due to task performance within their rehabilitation programs
- There is a risk to that individual’s rehabilitation program that may exacerbate their condition
- When medical professionals require further clarity to help guide return to work planning
How can Recovery Partners help?
Our qualified allied health team including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Exercise Physiologists, and Psychologists, perform Functional Capacity Evaluations within a controlled environment e.g. consultation rooms.
These assessments help us to understand an individual’s functional tolerances for physical and/or psychological activities following a noted health condition that has limited their performance previously.
Want to find out more?
Our services are available nationwide. Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
You may be interested in:
Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/