Functional capacity evaluation
Physical functional capacity evaluation
What is physical functional capacity evaluation?
A physical functional capacity evaluation (Physical FCE) is an objective assessment that measures a person’s physical capabilities and tolerances. It is used in the rehabilitation process to objectively measure the physical ability of a person to perform personal and/or job-related tasks.
What is involved in physical functional capacity evaluation?
A physical functional capacity evaluation (Physical FCE) is an evidence-based way to demonstrate strengths and limitations to complete personal and job-related tasks and will help to determine if the current abilities match the physical demands.
If these areas do not match, the physical FCE evaluator may be able to recommend rehabilitation, accommodation, and/or compensation strategies that may help the candidate to return to work safely and may help with the activities of daily living.
The examiner will conduct a variety of tests that are designed to measure balance, level of fatigue, physical strength, ability to tolerate sitting and standing, range of motion, ability to walk, ability to lift and carry, and the ability to perform both fine and gross motor skills.
A physical functional Capacity Evaluation is an objective way to analyze the job demands and physical demands. In order to provide meaningful and feasible recommendations. The FCE evaluator will interview the candidate about the various job duties and perform standardized assessments that relate the skills required for the job. The standardized assessments may look at standing or sitting tolerance or the ability to walk, squat, bend, lift, push or pull for sustained periods of time, as well as the strength, joint range of motion, and finger dexterity.
The FCE evaluator’s objective observations will lead to a comprehensive report. The report will provide details pertaining to the current physical abilities, the job demands, and if the current abilities match the job demands. If there are areas that don’t match, the FCE evaluator may recommend potential interventions, such as a return-to-work program that focuses on physical rehabilitation or further assessment to determine other jobs that one would be competitively employable for.
Cognitive functional capacity evaluation
What is cognitive functional capacity evaluation?
Cognition is defined as ‘the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. A brain injury, neurological problem or other health conditions that could affect the brain can result in cognitive challenges. These challenges may include remembering appointments, completing work on time, focusing on tasks, ignoring distractions, and/or issues with fatigue, headaches, or frustration/irritability.
Similar to a Functional Capacity Evaluation, a Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation (Cognitive FCE) is an evidenced-based evaluation that objectively measures the functional ability to perform personal and/or job-related tasks. A cognitive FCE includes measures of physical performance seen in a physical FCE, with an additional focus on cognitive demands and the impact of cognition on all aspects of the daily life, including work, home, and community. A cognitive FCE is used to determine if the physical and cognitive abilities at the time of the assessment match the demands of the personal and job-related challenges.
What is involved in cognitive functional capacity evaluation?
A Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation is a specific Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) that assesses the functional impairment of a client’s attention, memory, learning, planning, problem solving, impulsivity and tolerance for multiple demands.
Similar to a physical functional Capacity Evaluation, a Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation (Cognitive FCE) is an evidenced-based evaluation that objectively measures the functional ability of a person to perform personal and/or job-related tasks. A cognitive FCE includes measures of physical performance seen in a standard FCE, with an additional focus on cognitive demands and the impact of cognition on all aspects of the daily life, including work, home, and community. A cognitive FCE is used to determine if the physical and cognitive abilities at the time of assessment match the demands of the job.
The comprehensive cognitive FCE consists of an in-depth interview, a series of standardized assessments related to job demands and individual challenges, and gathering relevant information from the family or employer.
The cognitive FCE will result in a comprehensive report informed by the evaluator’s objective observations. The report will include a detailed description of the current cognitive and behavioural abilities related to typical demands one may face at work and in the day-to-day life, and if the current abilities match these demands. If these areas do not match, the cognitive FCE evaluator may be able to inform recommendations for an individualized rehabilitation program. This includes strategies and accommodations addressing specific areas of concern that may help the person return to work safely, improve work performance, or increase daily activities.
