Functional Capacity Evaluation
A one and a half day comprehensive evaluation that is used to determine the individual's current functional abilities, physical tolerances, and limitations. Objective findings and detailed interpretation are presented with our clinical opinion in a comprehensive, professionally prepared report. The functional capacity evaluation will answer questions regarding the individual's functional abilities as they relate to the work demands of the pre-injury job as well as implications for returning to work.
Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation
A one and a half day comprehensive evaluation used with individuals who have traumatic brain injuries and other diagnoses resulting in cognitive and behavioral deficits. The cognitive functional capacity evaluation is used to determine the functional impairment of an individual's memory, attention, planning, problem solving, learning, impulsivity, and tolerance for multiple demands. It then evaluates how the individual's impairment relates to their ability to consistently perform daily activities in the areas of work, self-care, and leisure.
Cost of Future Care Analysis
Injury or illness can impair an individual's ability to participate in their accustomed work and leisure activities. Functional capacity evaluation and/or cognitive functional capacity evaluation, review of medical reports, interview and home visit are used to determine the client's current abilities and limitations in performing activities of daily life. A detailed and comprehensive report is provided with cost analysis of current and future needs related to this change in function. A cost of future care analysis can be combined with a functional capacity evaluation and/or cognitive functional capacity evaluation for a comprehensive picture of the individual's current abilities and future needs.
Combined Functional Capacity Evaluation and Cost of Future Care Report
Many of our clients request a combined Functional Capacity and Cost of Future Care Report. This is a 2-day assessment which is partly in clinic and in the client’s home.
Worksite Assessment
A visit is made to worksite and observations are made in order to obtain specific information regarding the workplace environment. It typically involves observing the worker completing work tasks as they are able when it is safe and practical to do so. Information from this assessment is used to determine whether the needs of the employer and work environment can be managed by the current abilities of the individual.
Job Demands Analysis
A job demands analysis is used to provide a clear definition of the physical and cognitive demands required for a specific job. This information is compared with results from the functional capacity evaluation and/or the cognitive functional capacity evaluation to determine whether the specific tasks of the job can be completed safely and suitably by the individual being evaluated.
Our Medical Legal Team
Jo-Anne Chisholm, Occupational Therapist
Jo-Anne graduated from UBC with a combined degree in occupational and physical therapy, following up with a Masters in Science in Rehabilitation in 1996. She is Matheson trained in FCE, Cognitive FCE and Cost of Future Care.
Jo-Anne’s clinical expertise is in catastrophic injury including spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.
Jo-Anne also performs regulatory work for the College of Occupational Therapists of BC; is qualified as expert witness to the Queens Bench of Saskatchewan; and has advised in Plaintiff, Defense and Class Action cases.
Kristine Vaughan, Occupational Therapist
Kristine Vaughan has been practicing OT since 2008. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Kristine has specialized in Functional Capacity Evaluations and Cost of Future Care assessments since 2017. Her medical legal practice has focused on clients with complex presentations, including mental health disorders, chronic pain, and physical injuries. She has worked for both plaintiff and defense attorneys and also offers her expertise in providing court-ready critiques or verbal reviews of physical capacity evaluations or cost of future care reports.
Neeru Aggarwal, Occupational Therapist
Neeru Aggarwal has been practicing OT since 2005. A graduate of the University of Alberta, and Matheson trained, Neeru provides FCE, Cognitive FCE and Cost of Future Care assessments. She has experience in working with persons with a variety of disabilities including soft tissue injury, traumatic brain injury and developmental disability.
Neeru is fluent in English and Punjabi.
Beverley Wasmund, Occupational Therapist
Bev earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from McMaster University in 2012. Prior to this she received an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo in 1988 and a Master of Science degree from McMaster University in 1992.
Bev’s medical legal practice focuses on paediatric Functional Assessment and Cost of Future Care. She also has an active caseload including paediaric and traumatic brain injury clients.