Open AccessA Critical Review of Functional Capacity Evaluations
Author(s) -
Phyllis King,
Nicola Tuckwell,
Tanya E Barrett
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
physical therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.998
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1538-6724
pISSN - 0031-9023
DOI - 10.1093/ptj/78.8.852
Subject(s) - credibility , documentation , reliability (semiconductor) , risk analysis (engineering) , computer science , psychology , process management , applied psychology , medicine , business , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , political science , law , programming language
The role of functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) appears to be increasing as employers and insurers rely more heavily on them for decision making. To meet credibility requirements, and the American Physical Therapy Association's standards for measurement and documentation, all FCE suppliers need to validate and refine their systems. This article provides information that can be used to make informed decisions in the selection of an FCE and in functional assessment practices. Features of well-designed FCEs are discussed. Ten well-known FCE systems are analyzed according to these features and other common characteristics. Current issues such as the qualifications of the evaluators, reliability and validity, length of assessments, projection of endurance to 8-hour workdays, standards of practice, safety protocols, and behavioral assessment and management strategies are discussed.