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Functional Assessment

Evidence-Based Functional Capacity Evaluation

Comprehensive assessment of physical and functional capacity to guide rehabilitation planning and return to work decisions.

Comprehensive functional capacity evaluations to assess work readiness and identify return-to-work pathways

What This Service Is

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an objective assessment that measures a person's physical and cognitive abilities in relation to the demands of their job.

It provides a clear, evidence-based understanding of what the worker can safely do, what remains challenging, and what supports or adjustments may be needed for recovery and return to work. An FCE goes beyond observation, it quantifies capacity through structured, standardised testing. This ensures that decisions around suitable duties, progression and workplace expectations are grounded in reliable, practical evidence.

Who It Helps

Functional Assessment provides valuable insights for multiple stakeholders.

Injured Workers

Clear understanding of current capacity and realistic return to work timelines.

Medical Practitioners

Objective data to inform treatment planning and medical decision-making.

Case Managers

Evidence-based information to guide rehabilitation and return to work planning.

When It's Needed

Functional Assessment is valuable at various stages of recovery.

Capacity Determination

To establish current functional capacity and work readiness.

Progress Evaluation

To measure rehabilitation progress and functional improvements.

Job Matching

To match functional capacity with specific job requirements.

Why It Matters

Unclear functional capacity is one of the most common causes of delayed recovery and stalled return-to-work planning. Without objective data, assumptions can be made, risks can go unnoticed, and suitable duties may be recommended without a clear understanding of what is truly safe. A well-conducted FCE addresses these challenges. The result is a smoother recovery trajectory with fewer setbacks and more predictable outcomes.

Reduces uncertainty

Reduces uncertainty around what the worker can safely perform.

Early barrier identification

Helps identify barriers early.

Aligned decision-making

Supports aligned decisions between stakeholders.

Clear duty modifications

Provides clarity for duty modification and workplace adjustments.

Strong foundation

Creates a strong foundation for grading capacity and building confidence.

What Rebility Does

Rebility completes functional assessments using validated protocols and a person-centred approach. Our assessments are designed to be both clinically rigorous and practically useful. The assessment is conducted with care, ensuring the worker is safe, informed and supported throughout.

1

Structured measurement

Structured measurement of strength, mobility, endurance, posture and tolerance.

2

Cognitive assessment

Assessment of cognitive functions where relevant.

3

Job-specific simulation

Simulation of job-specific tasks.

4

Risk identification

Identification of risk factors that could impact safe work performance.

What Referrers Can Expect

Referrers receive objective, reliable data and clear guidance. Communication remains proactive and consistent, ensuring referrers understand the assessment outcomes and how they influence next steps.

1

Objective data

Objective, reliable data to guide decision-making.

2

Structured reporting

A structured report that clearly outlines functional findings.

3

Practical recommendations

Practical recommendations aligned with workplace demands.

4

Clear capacity levels

Clear capacity levels and identified limitations.

Benefits & Outcomes

Functional Assessment delivers clear, actionable outcomes for all stakeholders.

Clear understanding of functional capacity

Clear understanding of functional capacity.

Reduced uncertainty in RTW planning

Reduced uncertainty in RTW planning.

Safer, more precise duty allocation

Safer, more precise duty allocation.

Early identification of risks

Early identification of physical or behavioural risks.

Stronger alignment

Stronger alignment between medical advice and workplace expectations.

Practical guidance

Practical guidance for safe, graded return to work.

Improved confidence

Improved confidence for both worker and employer.

Evidence-based documentation

Evidence-based documentation that supports scheme requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Functional Assessment services.

An FCE is helpful when capacity is unclear, when progress has plateaued, or when workplace duties need to be aligned more precisely with functional ability.

Most FCEs take between 1–3 hours depending on the job role, injury type and level of detail required.

No. It complements medical information by providing objective, work-focused capacity data. Both are used together for safe planning.

Yes. While primarily physical, an FCE can highlight behavioural, psychological or cognitive factors that may affect safe performance. These are identified respectfully and included in planning.

The assessment is designed to be safe. Tasks can be stopped at any time. Partial or modified performance still provides valuable data.

Not always, but having job demand information or a recent workplace assessment allows for more precise interpretation of results.

Yes. The FCE outlines tolerances and capacities that guide step-by-step upgrading plans.

Ready to Schedule a Functional Assessment?

Contact us to discuss your needs or make a referral for functional assessment services.