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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-04-2014 | Original Article

Clients’ and RTW experts’ view on the utility of FCE for the assessment of physical work ability, prognosis for work participation and advice on return to work

Authors: L. W. Pas, P. P. F. M. Kuijer, H. Wind, J. K. Sluiter, J. W. Groothoff, S. Brouwer, M. H. W. Frings-Dresen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2014

Abstract

Purpose

To describe clients’ and experts’ view on the utility of functional capacity evaluation (FCE) for the assessment of physical work ability, prognosis for work participation and advice on return to work (RTW).

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were performed with fourteen clients and fifteen RTW experts. Qualitative data were analysed independently by two researchers. The codes were compared and combined in higher-order topics until consensus was reached by three researchers.

Results

For the assessment of physical work ability, FCE was found useful according to both groups, because it provided an overview of the physical abilities. Clients indicated that FCE confirmed and/or altered their view on their work ability. RTW experts were able to verify consistency between verbal information and performance of the client. For making a prognosis of work participation, only RTW experts found FCE useful. For the advice on RTW, both groups found FCE useful. The RTW trajectory could be clearly outlined. Both groups indicated that clients felt they were being taken seriously by performing FCE.

Conclusions

Clients and RTW experts indicated FCE as being useful for the assessment of physical work ability and advice on RTW. Only RTW experts indicated FCE as being useful for making a prognosis for work participation.

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Title: Clients’ and RTW experts’ view on the utility of FCE for the assessment of physical work ability, prognosis for work participation and advice on return to work
Authors: L. W. Pas
P. P. F. M. Kuijer
H. Wind
J. K. Sluiter
J. W. Groothoff
S. Brouwer
M. H. W. Frings-Dresen
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-013-0865-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Clients’ and RTW experts’ view on the utility of FCE for the assessment of physical work ability, prognosis for work participation and advice on return to work

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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