Functional Capacity Evaluations
What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive occupational therapy assessment that evaluates an individual’s ability to perform work-related and everyday functional activities. The assessment provides objective information about a person’s physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and functional abilities, including their capacity for activities such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, sitting, standing, walking and other tasks relevant to their daily activities or work demands.
An FCE is commonly used to assist with return-to-work planning, insurance matters, and occupational health referrals by providing a structured evaluation of functional abilities and limitations.
Who may benefit from
an FCE?
01
Individuals recovering from an injury, surgery or illness
Where an objective assessment of current functional abilities is required.
02
Individuals with orthopaedic or neurological conditions
Where physical function, endurance, mobility or work-related abilities may be affected.
03
Employees returning to work
To assist with determining functional abilities, work capacity and appropriate return-to-work planning.
04
Employers
Who require objective information regarding an employee’s functional abilities and physical work capacity.
05
Insurers and case managers
Who require a structured occupational therapy assessment of functional abilities and limitations.
06
Attorneys and other referring professionals
When an independent functional assessment is required as part of an insurance-related matter.
An FCE may be appropriate for individuals whose functional abilities need to be assessed in relation to work demands, daily activities or rehabilitation planning.
An FCE provides objective information regarding functional performance and work-related abilities, which may assist referring professionals in making informed decisions within their respective areas of responsibility.
An FCE may be beneficial for:
What does the assessment involve?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation is a structured occupational therapy assessment that evaluates an individual’s functional abilities in relation to everyday activities and work-related demands.
The assessment is tailored to the reason for referral and may include:
-
A detailed history of the injury, illness or condition
-
Functional assessment of everyday activities
-
Assessment of lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling abilities
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Sitting, standing and walking tolerances
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Upper limb function, grip strength and manual activities
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Postural activities such as bending, reaching and squatting
-
Functional endurance and activity tolerance
-
Observation of movement, body mechanics and task performance
-
Consideration of the individual’s job demands where relevant
The assessment is conducted using standardised and clinically appropriate occupational therapy methods.
The findings are documented in a comprehensive report outlining functional abilities, limitations and considerations relevant to the referral question.
When is an FCE commonly requested?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation may be requested when objective information is required regarding an individual’s functional abilities and work-related capacity.
Common reasons for referral include:
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Return-to-work planning following injury, surgery or illness
-
Determining functional abilities in relation to job demands
-
Occupational health referrals
-
Insurance assessments
-
Disability or incapacity assessments
-
Rehabilitation planning and functional goal setting
-
Clarification of physical work capacity and functional limitations
The purpose of the assessment is to provide objective occupational therapy information that may assist the referring doctor, employer, insurer, attorney or other relevant stakeholder in making informed decisions within their respective areas of responsibility.
What information is included in the report?
Depending on the assessment findings and referral question, the report may include information relating to:
-
Functional abilities and limitations
-
Physical work-related abilities, where applicable
-
Cognitive and psychosocial factors relevant to functional performance
-
Functional endurance and activity tolerance
-
Upper limb and hand function, where relevant
-
Ability to perform work-related or everyday functional tasks
-
The impact of the individual’s condition on occupational performance
-
Considerations for return-to-work planning or functional rehabilitation where appropriate
-
Recommendations relevant to the referral question
The report provides objective occupational therapy findings and professional opinion within the occupational therapist’s scope of practice. The content of the report is based on the individual assessment and the specific purpose of the referral.