Return to Work Issues and Job Analysis

Question 1

Functional Capacity Evaluation

Answer 1

FCE

provides a baseline of the patient’s physical abilities

Question 2

FCE components (15)

Answer 2

1. interview
2. history of injury
3. previous treatments
4. previous diagnostic testing
5. medical history
6. client’s goals
7. validity testing
8. cardiovascular
9. musculoskeletal evaluation
10. dexterity
11. mobility
12. material handling
13. work simulated tasks
14. pain
15. documentation

Question 3

FCE - cardiovascular evaluation

Answer 3

monitor BP and HR throughout

*also monitor in relation to pain level (c/o pain should present w/ elevated HR/BP)

Question 4

FCE - musculoskeletal evaluation (6)

Answer 4

1. posture
2. gait
3. tenderness to palpation
4. neurological exam
5. ROM
6. MMT

Question 5

FCE - mobility (4)

Answer 5

1. balance
2. crouching/squatting
3. kneeling
4. climbing and descending stairs/ladders

Question 6

FCE - material handling (5)

Answer 6

1. floor - knuckle
2. 12” - knuckle
3. knuckle - shoulder
4. shoulder - overhead
5. carry

Question 7

FCE - pain

Answer 7

take pre and post activity

questionnaires (Oswestry or McGill)

Question 8

FCE - documentation (3)

Answer 8

1. summary is very important
2. comment on effort
3. recommendations (RTW level/restrictions)

Question 9

FCE - work demand levels (5)

Answer 9

1. S - sedentary
2. L - light work
3. M - medium work
4. H - heavy work
5. V- very heavy work

Question 10

FCE - Sedentary Work

Answer 10

• exerting up to 10 lbs force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently to move objects
• involves sitting most of the time
• may involve walking/standing brief periods of time

Question 11

FCE - Light Work

Answer 11

*exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 lbs frequently and/or negligible force constantly to move objects
*requires walking or standing to significant degree
OR pushing/pulling arm/leg controls while sitting
OR requires working at a production rate pace

Question 12

FCE - Medium Work

Answer 12

• exerting 20-50 lbs of force occasionally or 10-25 lbs frequently and/or greater than negligible up to 10 lbs constantly to move objects
• physical demands in excess of those for Light Work

Question 13

FCE - Heavy Work

Answer 13

• exerting 50-100 lbs of force occasionally or 25-50 lbs frequently and/or 10-20 lbs constantly to move objects
• physical demands in excess of those for Medium Work

Question 14

FCE - Very Heavy Work

Answer 14

• exerting excess of 100 lbs of force occasionally or excess of 50 lbs frequently and/or excess of 20 lbs constantly to move objects
• physical demands in excess of those for Hard Work

Question 15

work conditioning

Answer 15

work related program designed to restore the patient function
single discipline
2-4hrs/day 5days/week
focus on strengthening, conditioning, work simulation

Question 16

work hardening

Answer 16

more intensive program than conditioning
multi-discipline
4-8hrs/day 3-5days/week
focus on return to work and minimizing risk or re-injury

Question 17

worker’s comp TIB

Answer 17

Temporary Income Benefits

70% of the difference between AWW and wages you are able to earn after your injury/illness

Question 18

worker’s comp MMI

Answer 18

Maximal Medical Improvement
the earlier of the time when the work-related injury/illness has improved as much as it will or 104 weeks from the date eligible to receive temporary income benefits