[From the disease-based assessment of work ability and functional capacity to a multidimensional assessment mode]

BACKGROUND. Doctors assess an individual's work ability by comparing the diagnoses and findings to the demands of work. The accuracy of this disease-based orientation has recently been challenged. METHODS. A case study was conducted to compare a disease-based and a multidimensional functioning -based work ability assessment, illustrated through an individual case. RESULTS. Relevant potential for promoting work ability was missed by the disease-based approach, evaluating the entitlement to social security benefits. In the assessment based on multidimensional functioning, dialogue-based plans were made to improve fitness for work. CONCLUSIONS. Multidimensional functioning is recommended as the basis of assessing work ability.