Independent Medicolegal Functional Assessment
Clear, objective assessment of function, participation, care and support needs
I undertake independent occupational therapy assessments for legal, insurance, compensation and other formal decision-making contexts.
My assessments consider more than whether a person can technically perform an activity. I examine the conditions under which the activity can be completed and whether performance is safe, reliable, repeatable and sustainable.
Depending on the referral question, assessment may consider:
- Personal care and activities of daily living
- Domestic activities and household management
- Community access and transport
- Employment, education and vocational participation
- Parenting, caring and family responsibilities
- Cognitive and executive functioning demands
- Pain, fatigue and fluctuating capacity
- Psychosocial, sensory and environmental factors
- Equipment, assistance, supervision and support requirements
- Current and future care and support needs
Services may include:
- Independent medicolegal functional assessment
- Functional capacity and occupational performance assessment
- Activities of daily living and domestic function assessment
- Care, assistance and support needs assessment
- Workplace and job task analysis
- Review of clinical, rehabilitation and functional records
- Opinion regarding the occupational impact of injury, disability or health conditions
- Identification of environmental barriers and reasonable supports
- Recommendations regarding equipment, assistance, rehabilitation or workplace adjustment
Reports are structured around the referral questions and written for both clinical and non-clinical readers. They distinguish between reported information, observed performance and documentary evidence, and clearly explain the reasoning, evidence, limitations and level of certainty underpinning my conclusions.
My focus is on providing an independent, balanced and evidence-informed opinion rather than advocating for a predetermined outcome.
