Functional and Work Capacity Evaluations

Island Assessment provides objective information regarding an individual’s abilities and limitations through a battery of tests combining; standardized procedures, activities, tasks, and clinical observation. Focus is upon determination of an individual’s maximum durable functional abilities and tolerances - or specifically, levels of function that an individual could be relied upon to reproduce on a regular basis. These tests fall within two general categories: Functional Capacity Evaluation and Work Capacity Evaluation.

Functional Capacity Evaluations are designed to address referral questions regarding an individual’s general physical/functional abilities and limitations. Information resulting from a Functional Capacity Evaluation may be applied to a broad range of queries, as data can be compared directly to the Canadian Classification and Dictionary of Occupations (CCDO) or the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Work Capacity Evaluations are designed to address referral questions regarding an individual’s physical/functional abilities and limitations related to the performance of specific occupations or associated component tasks. This is a more reliable tool to address an individual’s likelihood of success in a specific job. Comparative information regarding the physical/functional requirements of a specific occupation may be derived from authoritative references such as the Canadian Classification and Dictionary of Occupations (CCDO) or the National Occupational Classification (NOC), or are determined through Job Assessment and Analysis (Also see Job Analysis). Work Capacity Evaluation reports include comparison of the client’s abilities and limitations to relevant jobs and to the physical/funtional requirements of occupational tasks. Real and/or simulated work situations are critical components of Work Capacity Evaluations and routinely include use of work specific tools, materials, equipment, and work environments. These factors contribute to the ‘real world’ applicability of the evaluation information, and to the defensibility of evaluation findings.