FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATION

Work Wise uses the Isernhagen Work Systems FCE protocol which is highly recognized as a disability assessment tool.

Our FCE examination includes:

• Assessment performed by a Registered Physiotherapist
• 5 hour examination performed over two days
• Complete initial musculo-skeletal assessment to identify
  impairments
• Objective, criteria based assessment.
• Built-in check points, to determine consistency of effort
  and validity of the results.
• Job matching according to the Physical Demands Analysis

Indications:

Determine abilities and limitations
Determine readiness for RTW and modifications required
Perform matching of job tasks to FCE abilities
Determine maximum functional recover
Determine residual abilities for VOC purposes
Determine consistency of objective findings vs. subjective presentation
Difficulty anticipated in RTW d/t significant injuries or job demands or questionable motivation.

Content:

Abilities and limitations
Job match
Consistency of effort and correlation to subjective presentation
Treatment recommendations upon request

Service Features:

Performed by physiotherapist
2 consecutive days testing
5 day report turnaround

PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSESSMENT

This assessment will provide an independent review of a client’s current treatment commenting on the appropriateness of the intervention and provide timelines for expected duration and return to work. A comprehensive report is produced within 5 business days to expedite the decision-making processes.

Indications:

Determine or review a Physiotherapy treatment plan
Determine or review clinical impairments using WAD classification
Provide opinion on timing for RTW
Provide opinion on consistency of clinical presentation

Content:

Physical examination and history review
Written report
Verbal report on completion of assessment

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSESSMENT

The purpose of Occupational Therapy is to enable patients to perform those day to day activities they find useful or meaningful in their environment.

Through a semi-structured interview with the patient, all areas of function are assessed:

• Self care: dressing, grooming, hygiene, sleeping, eating, homemaking, transportation, money management, etc.
• Productivity: schooling, employment, volunteer work, etc.
• Leisure: areas of interest and participation, etc.

Also, components of the patient's mental, physical and psychosocial performance are also assessed at this time.

COGNITIVE FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES EVALUATION

The Cognitive FAE is a comprehensive assessment of a client’s work abilities in the area of cognitive functioning. The assessment is performed by a Psychologist and Vocational Evaluator.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF A COGNITIVE FAE

The Cognitive FAE provides concrete information on work capacities for clients with psychological or cognitive impairments. It is designed to assess functioning and tolerances in the areas of memory, concentration, attention and work behaviours. It also provides information on emotional symptoms, personality features and the impact of fatigue on work performance. The assessment also provides useful information on a client’s coping and adaptation to disability, as well as motivation and barriers for return to work.

Indications:

The Cognitive FAE is best suited for clients with Psychological or Psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. The assessment can be used prior to return to work process to determine abilities, limitations, barriers and to formulate a more realistic plan for work reintegration. The assessment can also be used during delayed recovery or early rehabilitation to establish a realistic timeframe for resumption of vocational activities.

Evaluation Components

The Cognitive FAE combines the expertise of a Psychologist and Vocational Evaluator in determining a client’s work potential. With a clinical interview and standardized test instruments, the Psychologist will assess memory, concentration, attention, as well as psychological symptoms and personality features. The Vocational Evaluator will assess work performance and tolerances, using objective and standardized tools, such as the Valpar work samples. A comprehensive report is created to determine the level of current functioning.

Report Components

The report will provide a summary of a client’s level of functioning, as well as a client’s assets and potential barriers in the return to work process. It will also provide detailed recommendations for return to work planning.

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THIS INSTRUMENT

The Cognitive FAE establishes content validity and reliability through the use of a strict protocol, based on recognized standardized instruments. Psychological tests include the Wechsler Memory Scale III, the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III. Work performance is measured through the use of Valpar work samples which provides standardized measures of widely accepted worker characteristics and criterion referenced work rates, based on industrial standards. Testing is also conducted over 2 days to ensure reliability. The result of the combined tests are then gathered and analyzed by the Psychologist and Vocational Evaluator, to establish the clients abilities and limitations.

The report will be completed and provided to the referral source within 2 weeks from assessment completion.

Documentation Required

A job description of the client’s position is required. Ideally, a physical demands analysis, job analysis should be provided. In addition, any relevant medical, psychiatric or psychological assessment reports on file should be provided.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

WorkWise’s pain management program is unique in combining the skills of a Psychologist and Physiotherapist in a comprehensive time limited educational program. Pain and stress management is a course of counseling aimed at empowering clients with strategies to cope and self manage their pain or stress. Pain and stress management counseling is based on cognitive –behavioural methods of identifying and challenging unrealistic beliefs and encouraging more appropriate thinking. Specific techniques such as relaxation training, communication skills planning pacing and problem solving are integral parts of this approach.

Our comprehensive approach will also include education with a Physiotherapist and a review of pain control techniques, maintenance exercises and proper pacing strategies. In this area our program is unique for being individualized to the injuries and pathology of an individual focused on improving compliance through a more realistic client centered program.

Indications:

Sub-acute or chronic phase
Residual impairment where symptoms constitute ongoing barrier to return to function
Behavioural or Social factors interfere with coping and/or ability to manage stress and/or pain
Unsuccessful return to work where all physical treatment avenues have been exhausted
Client has received limited education or prescription of pain control / self management techniques to promote his independence

Content:

Assessment by Psychologist
Consultation / Education with Psychologist or Physiotherapist

Average Duration:

Weekly or bi-weekly sessions over 8-10 sessions