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Functional assessment
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Functional Assessment - an assessment which measures a person’s level of function and ability to perform functional or work related tasks on a safe and dependable basis over a defined period of time. Data is collected during the assessment and analyzed by the assessor, in order to establish the worker’s current level of function in regards to their ability to perform a variety of job functions. The assessment includes: an examination of pertinent clinical pathology, identification of client behaviors that impact physical performance, objective musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and biomechanical testing, functional testing, and an assessment of effort. Through the analysis and interpretation of the data, a workday projection can usually be made. The interpretation and analysis of this data must be completed by a Licensed Practitioner.
This can be accomplished through a Functional Capacity Evaluation or a Targeted Functional Assessment (see definitions below).
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) – A functional assessment which uses a standardized approach and process to globally assess all functional tolerances that are safe for the worker, based on the pertinent clinical pathology, and would not necessarily be specific to a job. A workday tolerance is routinely provided with a FCE.
Targeted Functional Assessment (TFA) – A functional assessment where the testing is in relation to a referral question as outlined by the referral source. Good sound clinical reasoning is essential to identify the important assessment components and to critically analyze all the data collected during the assessment process, in order to clearly answer the referral question. Referral questions may be in relation to a specific body part, specific job and/or specific job tasks. Work day tolerances and maximum capacity will be determined based on the referral question.
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