What are informal assessments?

Informal assessments involve discussions with the individual, their family, carers, or support network to understand their experiences and perspectives on their occupational performance and participation.

What are observational assessments?

Observational assessments involve the occupational therapist observing the individual performing specific tasks and analysing each step of the process to identify strengths, challenges, and potential modifications or supports.

What are formal assessments?

Formal assessments are evidence-based and often standardised tools designed to provide accurate and reliable data. Examples include the WHODAS 2.0, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales 3, Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), Care and Needs Scale (CANS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), and Life Skills Profile (LSP-16).

Occupational Therapy
Functional Capacity Assessments

Two women sitting at a table, reviewing and signing documents, wearing polka dot blouses, in an office setting.

Q: What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?

A: A FCA is an occupational therapy evaluation of performance and participation in meaningful activities (self-care, work/study, play and leisure). It can identify strengths, support needs, and environmental factors, often used to guide funding decisions and for planning supports and interventions.

Fast Track Therapy takes a holistic approach and use a variety of methods tailored to each person. These methods may include informal assessments, observational assessments, and formal assessments:

Informal Assessments: These involve discussions with the individual, their family, carers, or support network to understand their experiences and perspectives on their occupational performance and participation. This personal input informs the remainder of the assessment process.
Observational Assessments: These involve the occupational therapist observing the individual performing specific tasks and analysing each step of the process. This helps identify strengths, challenges, and potential modifications or supports to enhance task performance.
Formal Assessments: These are evidence-based and often standardised tools designed to provide accurate and reliable data. They may include structured forms or measures that quantify information about the individual’s abilities. Examples of formal assessments used by Fast Track Therapy include the WHODAS 2.0, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales 3, Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), Care and Needs Scale (CANS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Life Skills Profile (LSP-16), and others.

An FCA may address various areas, including but not limited to mobility, communication, sensory needs, fine and gross motor skills, domestic skills, self-care, community participation, emotional regulation, play skills, attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.