Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, The University of
Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lynn Shaw, School of Occupational
Therapy, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada. Tel.:
+1 519 661 2111 x 88971; Fax: +1 519 661 3174; E-mail: leshaw@uwo.ca
Abstract: Objective: This review sought to synthesize existing evidence on
work capacity assessments and to identify the knowledge supporting their use in
return to work practice and future research. Methods: A scoping review was conducted identifying studies
examining assessments used in return to work. Studies published before 1986 and
studies not written in English were excluded. A five point relevancy criteria
was used to establish the fit of articles with the research question. Articles
were thematically analyzed into components of the PEO Model, proposed future
research, and areas of vested interest. Results: Forty four articles met the criteria for inclusion. For
over twenty five years, work capacity assessment literature has remained
focused on the individual's physical work performance capacities. Gaps were
identified in the lack of qualitative research and incorporation of person,
occupation, and environmental dimensions in evaluation of work capacity. Future
research recommendations emphasize the need for knowledge generation on work
modification and investigation of psychosocial factors that impact work
capacity and return to work yet only minimal progression is evident in these
areas in the literature reviewed. Conclusion: The limited consideration of the occupation and
environmental dimensions in returning to work and the global interest in work
capacity assessment highlight the need for the development of contextually
based assessment tools. Assessment needs to move toward the incorporation of
environmental and occupational aspects in addition to the person dimension in a
culturally transcendent manner.
