A review of functional capacity evaluation practice

Objectives: This study evaluated the implementation of recommendations from a prior review of functional capacity evaluation practice in a regionalised rehabilitation service. The evaluation considered the acceptance of the recommendations and the current level of consistency of approach in practice. Study design: The study was qualitative in nature, using a descriptive survey and a focus group. Participants were occupational therapists of a major rehabilitation provider in Queensland, Australia. Eighteen of 48 therapists (38%) responded to the questionnaire. Eight therapists participated in the focus group. Results: The results indicated some acceptance of the recommendations for functional capacity evaluation in areas such as procedure, reporting, equipment and model of evaluation. Further research into the reliability and validity of functional capacity evaluation was indicated. Discussion: The low response rate did not allow conclusive results. However, the findings provided some evidence of consistency in functional capacity evaluation practice. The results are discussed in relation to current issues in functional capacity evaluation practice.