Functional Capacity Assessments, or FCA for short, are comprehensive evaluations employed to decipher a person’s ability to fulfil the requirements of various professional tasks and responsibilities. This assessment is practised in a range of settings encompassing occupational health care, insurance claims and is used to determine the cognitive capacities of a prospective or current employee in relation to job roles and specific requirements. From small-scale operations to sprawling enterprises, all businesses can benefit from integrating the simple yet effective functional capacity assessment into their employment stream. Below, explore the role of functional capacity assessments in return to work planning, overarching professional operations and employment processes, and discover the benefits you can expect to enjoy.
Evaluating Physical and Cognitive Abilities
Functional capacity assessments are essential for return to work planning after an accident, injury, or illness has been experienced by an employee in a workplace. They are performed by allied health professionals with specialisms in work-related care, which may include the following positions: Occupational Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist or Psychologist. This evaluation is carried out to determine an individual’s physical, cognitive and psychological ability in relation to the requirements of their position in a company and the duties that are expected of them on a day-to-day basis. This process will assess the individual’s general health status and capacity against the needs of their position and the professional environment at large. At its core, a functional capacity assessment is employed to determine whether a person is ready and able to return to their previous position in the same or in a similar manner to their ability before their accident, injury, or illness occurred.
The Role of the Allied Health Practitioner
An allied health practitioner will guide the assessment to determine when an injured or ill employee can safely return to their position, as well as suggest accommodations or adjustments as required on a case by case basis. The practitioner will analyse the individual in a test setting to decipher the necessary steps that should be taken in your return to work plan for your employee.
Functional Capacity Assessment Process
FCAS ensure a smooth and simple process for both the employee and the employer. It can be broken down into the following steps:
Referral and Initial Consultation: The FCA will typically begin with a referral from the employer or allied health partner, and will be subsequently followed by an initial consultation with a dedicated occupational health professional.
Assessment Sessions: The individual will be evaluated using a selection of tests performed by trained professionals, which may include nurses, occupational therapists or physiotherapists.
Data and Reporting: Results will be compiled into a detailed report. This data will clearly outline the person’s functional capacities and abilities, limitations and any recommendations for adjustments to job-related tasks or working environments.
Review and Implementation: A business will review the report and use the data to shape and inform decisions regarding treatment plans, adjustments or benefits.
The Evaluation
The evaluation process encompasses the observation of physical and behavioural markers that determine whether an individual is safe to perform the requirements and responsibilities of their professional role. A functional capacity assessment may include physical examinations that resemble the demands of a role to determine the functional capacity of the individual. The evaluation may relate to psychological conditions where testing is performed to decipher a person’s cognitive ability to perform their duties at work. Specific tests in a functional capacity evaluation may include:
- Strength testing
- Endurance tests
- Flexibility examinations
- Balance examinations
- Motor skill testing
- Cardiovascular fitness tests
Matching Abilities with Job Demands
The functional capacity assessment practitioner will consider the job demands, duties and descriptions against their findings to help determine an individual’s fitness for work and their overarching capacity. This may also include working hours, alternative role suggestions, modified duties or working environments and any rehabilitation or treatment recommendations.
The assessor will create and provide a report that details functional capacities, limitations or restrictions, as well as any professional recommendations for a more successful outcome in a return to work plan. The employer can use this data to help determine their next steps and considerations in their workplace concerning an individual’s injury or illness. Extra support, such as ergonomic assessments, training methods or assistive devices, may be offered.
Ensuring Long-Term Success for RTW
Supporting the employee and the employer in the return to work process is a key functionality of an FCA. This will help to promote confidence and safety in the working environment as an individual returns to their role. After the initial return to work, the employer may choose to implement ongoing monitoring in the form of follow-up reviews with treatment professionals, routine check-ins or additional adjustments as needed.
In conclusion, a functional capacity assessment is a powerful tool that ensures a safe and successful working environment for employers and employees while uplifting overarching health and safety standards in a professional environment.
