What is an FCE?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation assesses the physical capabilities of the injured person and determines their motivation to return to work. It provides an objective, comprehensive report, which when sought early in the claims process, will assist in reducing the extent of injury and subsequent insurance claims.

On what is an FCE  based?

Objective data, based on published research and validated against a large data base world-wide, ensures specific, accurate, reproducible and consistent results

Who uses an FCE?

Functional Capacity Evaluations are used worldwide to determine the levels of disability, quantify impairment and assist in vocational planning. A safe return to work can be achieved by determining the specific physical classification demand of the injured worker.

In the claims area, this objective assessment assists in case closure. Functional Capacity Evaluation is legally defensible and has been admitted in court. Findings are used to determine the true value of the injury claim.

how long does it take?

The Functional Capacity Evaluation process takes a minimum of four hours or more to complete. Findings are reported statistically, in respect of physical capability, motivation and effort, and serve as a starting point for future rehabilitation management objectives for the injured employee. Criteria for acceptance for a Functional Capacity Evaluation includes full disclosure of all medical information available, including test results and details of medical conditions.

This Blankenship System is new to Ireland, and we are delighted to be the first Centre in the country to inaugurate this comprehensive assessment service. Supported by state of the art technology, an accurate, reliable, objective assessment provides a precise indication of the worker's current work ability, and based on assimilation of the test data recommendations are made as to rehabilitation needs. This is validated by modem to the USA database, with comparison of the test results with similarly injured and non-injured individuals' results. The database is currently in excess of 2.5 million subjects.

Abbey Physio uses the Blankenship Functional Capacity Evaluation System to evaluate the individual's ability to perform work from the perspectives of strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, impairment and motivation.

Pre-placement Screening can be customised specifically to the needs of differing employments and is currently used in a variety of occupational groups.

Abbey Physio has designed an injury Rehabilitation programme 'Start Back' which addresses the needs of the back-injured worker. If educated and instructed early in the rehabilitation process, chronic disability may be avoided or at least reduced in extent.

By simulating the work situation, the injured worker participates in an intensive educational, motivational and conditioning programme, which prepares them for the rigours of the workplace. Duration of the programme is dependent on the extent of the disability, but is usually 1-3 weeks.