Do you know what a functional capacity evaluation is? Did you know that FCE’s can assess both physical and cognitive abilities?
Well, how is that possible!?
According to the Best Practices Guideline by the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (AOPT), Functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is defined as a comprehensive performance-based medical assessment of an individual's physical and/or cognitive abilities to safely participate in work and other major life activities.
Did you know there are 4 components of an FCE?
The 4 components are intake interview, medical records review, physical examination, content valid functional testing.
Important Fact Time!
These 4 components help identify an individual’s ability to safely participate in work and other major life activities.
Now that is really important to consider!
But, what happens if an individual has an illness, medical condition or a disorder?
If an individual has an illness, medical condition, or disorder that impairs his/her ability to safely participate in work or other major life activities, functional limitations may be present.
This is where AOPT introduced the topic of Residual functional capacity.
Residual functional capacity? What is that?
AOPT states that this concept represents what an individual can still do despite functional limitations resulting from a medically determinable impairment(s) and impairment-related symptoms.
How does one determine an individual's residual functional capacity? And Why are these important?
According to the AOPT, there are several important objective and subjective factors to consider for a Functional Capacity Examiners when determining an individual's residual functional capacity.
Objective and Subjective factors? What may those be?
Objective
-
Clinical measurements and observations during content valid functional testing
-
Objective evidence gathered from a physical examination and a review of medical records.
Subjective
-
Subjective evidence from the individual’s self-reported pain and disability reports, which may include standardized questionnaires
-
Subjective information provided by the individual through an interview as part of the FCE.
Do you know what a functional capacity evaluation is? Did you know that FCE’s can assess both physical and cognitive abilities?
Well, how is that possible!?
According to the Best Practices Guideline by the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (AOPT), Functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is defined as a comprehensive performance-based medical assessment of an individual's physical and/or cognitive abilities to safely participate in work and other major life activities.
Did you know there are 4 components of an FCE?
The 4 components are intake interview, medical records review, physical examination, content valid functional testing.
Important Fact Time!
These 4 components help identify an individual’s ability to safely participate in work and other major life activities.
Now that is really important to consider!
But, what happens if an individual has an illness, medical condition or a disorder?
If an individual has an illness, medical condition, or disorder that impairs his/her ability to safely participate in work or other major life activities, functional limitations may be present.
This is where AOPT introduced the topic of Residual functional capacity.
Residual functional capacity? What is that?
AOPT states that this concept represents what an individual can still do despite functional limitations resulting from a medically determinable impairment(s) and impairment-related symptoms.
How does one determine an individual's residual functional capacity? And Why are these important?
According to the AOPT, there are several important objective and subjective factors to consider for a Functional Capacity Examiners when determining an individual's residual functional capacity.
Objective and Subjective factors? What may those be?
Objective
-
Clinical measurements and observations during content valid functional testing
-
Objective evidence gathered from a physical examination and a review of medical records.
Subjective
-
Subjective evidence from the individual’s self-reported pain and disability reports, which may include standardized questionnaires
-
Subjective information provided by the individual through an interview as part of the FCE.
Do you want to learn about the intent and scope of the FCE best practice guidelines?
Want to learn more about Functional Capacity Evaluations?
You are at the right place!
We provide FCE certification training with the option to complete it at the comfort of your own home. The FCE certification training goes in-depth about everything you need to know about FCE assessments to FCE Softwares.
Do you have questions or comments?
Comment below or email us at kevin@metriksfce.com, we would be happy to help assist you in any way we can!
