The evaluation of work-related capacities (EWC) is a common practice in the process of rehabilitating workers with a physical impairment. The results of this evaluation identify the interventions that are necessary for a sustainable and safe return to work. Occupational therapists are frequently involved in this process; however, the evaluative practices vary significantly among occupational health and safety professionals, which has the effect of challenging the quality of the results of some evaluations. In fact, the great variability in current practices and in the results of the EWC is a problem that currently preoccupies the Québec Order of Occupational Therapists. The present study proposes the development of a practical guide in order to reduce the variation in practice and to improve the quality of occupational rehabilitation evaluations and interventions. This will lead to the transmission and interpretation of actual evidence as useful recommendations for the clinician. In fact, a practical EWC guide will enable occupational therapists to make appropriate choices in their evaluative methods and improve support for the recommendations for the healthy return to work of workers.
This project falls within the framework of the REPAR – IRSST joint research grant program in the field of rehabilitation and re-employment.