Affiliations: School of Occupation & Leisure Sciences, Faculty
of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825,
Australia. Tel.: +61 2 9351 9209; Fax: +61 2 9351 9197; E-mail:
E.Innes@cchs.usyd.edu.au | School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences,
Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
Tel.: +61 8 9266 3634; Fax: +61 8 9266 3699; E-mail:
L.Straker@curtin.edu.au
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: The literature has focused predominantly on functional capacity
evaluations and related clinic-based assessments, however, there is little that
examines workplace-based assessment approaches. In Australia, rehabilitation of
injured workers occurs in the workplace wherever possible, and it is expected
that workplace-based services will increase elsewhere in the future. There is a
lack of knowledge, however, of therapists' current practices regarding
workplace- and clinic-based work-related assessments. {\it Objectives:} The purpose of this study was to understand the
current practice of therapists in Australia who are directly involved in
conducting work-related assessments. {\it Study design:} A naturalistic inquiry approach was utilised for
this study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26
occupational therapists and physiotherapists representing a spread of
geographical locations, organisations, and experience. {\it Findings:} Participants described three major types of
work-related assessments -- workplace assessments, functional capacity
evaluations (job) and functional capacity evaluations (no job). The types,
purposes, and characteristics of work-related assessments were described and
influences and constraints identified. Participants described using processes,
data sources, methods of data collection and analysis consistent with
qualitative methods, although some quantitative methods were also employed. {\it Conclusion:} The findings suggest that the further a
work-related assessment moves away from the actual work environment and
requirements of a specific job, the greater its level of standardisation and
generalisability. Conversely, when work-related assessments occur in the actual
work environment, qualitative processes are used, and results are specific and
non-generalisable.
