Use of functional capacity evaluations in workplaces and the compensation system: a report on workers' and report users' perceptions

Publication type
Journal article
Authors
Strong S, Baptiste S, Clarke J, Cole DC, Costa M
Date published
2004 Jan 25
Journal
Work
Volume
23
Issue
1
Pages
67-77
PMID
15328464
Open Access?
No
Abstract

Until recently, little was documented about how functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are used by employers and workers' compensation organizations. Such information was one focus of a comprehensive research study on FCEs carried out in southern Ontario, Canada, which involved representatives from the full range of groups involved in FCEs: referral sources, assessors, return-to-work specialists, third party payers and injured workers [1]. This paper shares findings from a cohort of injured workers undergoing FCEs, and explored how their FCE results were perceived and utilized by those receiving the reports. Based on study findings, we provide recommendations as to how FCEs should be requested, undertaken, reported and particularly applied to reduce work disability among injured workers