Functional Capacity Evaluation

Providing a better understanding of a worker’s fitness for their job role

Work Well’s  Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) use computerised lift task and range of motion (ROM) assessment to accurately measure a patient’s flexibility, strength and lifting ability. Importantly, they precisely quantify the physical effect of an injury and an individual’s current functional capacity. The testing protocol is flexible and can be adjusted to replicate tasks from the workplace, providing meaningful and useful information.   The computerised testing procedure also enables accurate identification of effort levels throughout the assessment. In doing so, it helps identify the presence of an injury and non-organic contributions to an individuals’ presentation.
Computerised testing is complemented by a range of other subjective and physical assessment procedures which provide a complete picture of the person being assessed in regard to physical ability, risk of injury and prognosis.   The information gained from a Work Well Functional Capacity Evaluation is extremely valuable when designing Return to Work Plans and Functional Restoration Programs. As a measurement tool the evaluation can closely assess the efficacy of ongoing rehabilitation and treatment.

The Benefits of Functional Capacity Evaluation

  • Accurate measurement of current physical capacity
  • No guess work. Meaningful and useful information • Precise guidance of return to work plans.
  • Improved return to work outcomes
  • Guides rehabilitation needs
  • Highlights presence of pain behaviours and non organic factors
  • Ultimately these lead to the prevention of re-injury

Functional Capacity Evaluation Services

Full Functional Capacity Evaluation

A full FCE provides a comprehensive assessment, including subjective history and questioning, full physical assessment incorporating strength, flexibility, muscle function and lift capacity along with any special tests specific to the individual’s presentation.   A written report is provided summarising the assessment findings with particular emphasis on current work capacity and recommendations regarding rehabilitation needs and prognosis.   Full assessment with written report will take 3-4 hours.

Brief Functional Capacity Evaluation

This is a brief 1 hour modified assessment of physical capacity.   It is a shortened version of the full assessment and is used for reassessment of patients to monitor changes in functional capacity.

Full Workplace Assessment

Functional Capacity Evaluations are usually most effective, and the results far more meaningful, if they are preceded by a full workplace assessment to accurately define the physical requirements of the workplace. A detailed outline of Work Well’s full workplace assessment can be found in the ‘Workplace Assessment’ section.

Inherent Duties Manual

Work Well’s Inherent Duties Manual turns all the information gained during the Full Workplace Assessment into a readily usable format. The information can be easily accessed in the event of an injury to quickly and accurately inform health professionals about the demands of the work place. It effectively becomes an alternative duties manual guiding return to work plans. It also provides you with a list of Key Physical Requirements needed by current or prospective employees to safely perform tasks in your workplace.

“Workwell have provided both functional capacity evaluations and pre-employment assessments for our staff for the past 7 years. This has proved an invaluable service and been an integral part of our injury prevention and management strategy. It has definitely contributed significantly to our decreasing injury rates and improved return to work outcomes. It provides an accurate way of ensuring staff are only performing tasks that are within their current functional capacity.”

Chris Langley
HSE Advisor
Workwell client

Other services we offer

 

pre-employment assessments
Pre-employment Assessments

We evaluate a prospective employees’ physical ability to safely perform pre-defined work tasks.

work station ergonomics
Work Station Ergonomics

A comprehensive training program designed to improve the health and wellbeing of employees

onsite exercise programs
Onsite Exercise Programs

Tailored onsite exercise programs most appropriate for your staff and their particular workflow

workplace health assessments
Workplace Health Assessments

An effective injury prevention and management strategy specific to the physical demands of your workplace.

manual handling training
Manual Handling Training

An opportunity to obtain valuable knowledge and skills which will help to prevent workplace injuries.

functional capacity evaluation
Functional Capacity Evaluation

A comprehensive assessment with special tests specific to the individual’s presentation

workplace health and wellness programs
Workplace Health And Wellness

Partnering with companies to help improve the health and wellbeing of staff through lifestyle changes

onsite physiotherapy melbourne
See also: Onsite Physiotherapy

Maintain a healthy and productive workforce whilst reducing the time and financial costs associated with injury

About Workwell Physiotherapy

Workwell Physiotherapy offers the highest quality physiotherapy and allied services in Melbourne and wider Victoria. Our motivated, highly skilled and friendly therapists work closely with you to help achieve your goals.

Find out more

Call 03 9614 0804.

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