Key Functional Assessments
Proven Reliability
Definition…
The Key Assessment process is designed to objectively identify an individual's functional capabilities for safe return-to-work applications. Functional capabilities evaluated include sitting, standing, and walking tolerances, lifting at three different heights, pushing/pulling, carrying, kneeling and crawling, bending and squatting, stair-climbing, balance, repetitive foot motions, and repetitive hand tolerances.
When to Refer…
A Key Functional Assessment is appropriate whenever determinations are being made regarding an individual's capabilities, workday tolerances, permanency ratings, or participation level. It also can serve as a baseline and measure of objective progress for a Work Hardening Program, thereby facilitating the injured employee's return-to-work as quickly and safely as possible.
Experience Matters…
In 1985, Greg Rybicki, PT, was certified as the first provider in Delaware to offer the Key Functional Assessment. His many years of assessment experience provide a wealth of knowledge in assisting with the determination of a client's objective functional activity level. When necessary, he will testify to the results of a Key Functional Assessment before the Industrial Accident Board.
Three Assessment Protocols…
The Whole Body Assessment is designed to assess an individual's capacity to perform 22 different functional tasks. It determines their maximum safe capabilities and how frequently those activities can be performed in a workday. The validity (participation level of the patient) is also determined.
The Upper Extremity Assessment is similar to the Whole Body Assessment but places an increased emphasis on hand tolerances that may include keyboarding and/or small tool manipulation. The patient's ability to use his hands over the course of an 8-hour workday is determined. This Assessment is also approximately 4 hours in length.
The Special Purpose Assessment is a protocol primarily designed to objectively measure progress when the patient is participating in a Work Hardening Program. This Assessment is 2 hours in length and does not determine validity and sitting, standing, and walking tolerances.
