Use of Functional Capacity Evaluations by rehabilitation providers in NSW

Returning the disabled worker to maximum productivity is a shared responsibility between the treating health practitioners and employers, with the insurer as an overseer of the injury management plan. Allied health professionals have responded to the need for standardized tools to assess work capacity by developing Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs). Literature exists outlining the limitations of FCEs in injury management systems; however, little is known about their uses and perceived usefulness. Questionnaires were posted to managers and therapists of accredited rehabilitation providers. The questionnaires consisted of both open and closed format questions. The response rate for the managers' questionnaire was 53%, while the therapists' questionnaire was 27%. The majority of rehabilitation providers use an assessment of their Own Design. Eight commercial FCEs were identified as being used. The majority of therapists use only one type of FCE. Therapists rated FCEs highly on their flexibility with Own Design assessment rated as significantly more flexible than the most frequently used commercial FCEs. From the data collected, it appears that cost is the main factor influencing choice of assessment. Level of evidence supporting capabilities of particular assessments does not appear to influence use. It seems that, despite there being poor research evidence to support the use of many brands of FCEs, they are still commonly used by rehabilitation providers. To achieve optimal use of FCEs, further research is required on the types of adaptations therapists make to commercial assessments and properties of Own Design assessments, including reliability and validity studies.