Office : 076 876 7409 Eloise du Plooy: 082 665 3175
DU PLOOY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
MEDICO-LEGAL ASSESSMENT
A medico-legal assessment refers to a method of evaluation which incorporates an interview, physical assessment and cognitive screening (if appropriate), the results of which are used to compile a comprehensive report which can be used during legal proceedings. The report is focused on addressing the question of whether or not the injury sustained has hampered the client’s ability to earn a living or complete his/her education or to participate in activities of daily living. The therapist’s opinion is rooted in evidence based information obtained during the evaluation. Recommendations in the report include work and home related assistance or adaptations. It also addresses future occupational (work) options and if applicable makes reference to promotional prospects. We pride ourselves on ethical and efficient testing procedures incorporating clinical observations as well as standardised and accredited assessment methods such as the WorkWell and ErgoScience modalities. Our reports are concise and user friendly.
CASE MANAGEMENT
As Occupational Therapists, we are ideally qualified to act as case managers due to our understanding of activity analysis which allows us to project current and future difficulties, thereby ensuring that the client receives the optimal level of care. Furthermore, our knowledge of orthopaedic, medical, psychiatric, genetic and paediatric conditions enable us to comprehend the extent of the imposed disability. As a case manager, the occupational therapist would liaise with the client and other stakeholders in order to devise a treatment plan and to assist with scheduling of appointments and allocation of funds as set out by the court.
FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATION
Functional capacity evaluations or job specific testing refers to an assessment and reporting method which is aimed at assessing a client for a specific job against a specific set of requirements provided by the employer. Functional capacity evaluations can be performed due to injury, loss of limb or onset of chronic illness. The assessment is aimed at determining the client’s level of functioning after which a determination is made on whether or not a job match exists between the demands of the job and the skills of the client. Functional capacity evaluations can be tailored to the specific needs of the employer.
JOB SITE ANALYSIS
A job site analysis can be performed in conjunction with either a medico-legal evaluation or functional capacity evaluation dependent on the reason for referral and the requirements as specified by the referral source. A job site analysis can also be performed in order to establish job descriptions within a company, to ensure that the work environment is optimal and adheres to safety requirements.
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Please contact us for more information on this service.
PAEDIATRIC SERVICES
Paediatric intervention refers to the assessment and treatment of children. In our practice, we see babies from the age of 5 months and children up to the age of 12 years. We see a large variety of patients with diagnoses ranging from physical injuries, developmental delay, birth complications, sensory processing difficulties as well as disabilities both physical and cognitive. We also treat children with behavioral and attentional difficulties. We perform assessments to determine the areas of concern which is then summarized in a feedback report. A personalized treatment plan is developed for each child which may include individual therapy, group therapy, parental guidance and home programs. We collaborate with teachers and other medical professionals to ensure a holistic approach which yields sustainable results.
RETURN TO WORK PROGRAMS AND JOB MODIFICATIONS
Taking into consideration the prevalence of injuries on duty or temporary disability as a result of ill health, return to work programs offers the employer an ideal option / an opportunity to assist the employee/candidate to integrate back into work albeit in an accommodated position with an accommodated or altered method of job participation. Note is made that most employees who either sustained workplace injury or illness retains the capacity to return to some kind of work provided that their condition is medically stable and that the work is tailored to the injury or condition. Research indicates that workers who return to work after a brief period of recovery often show improved recovery and a reduction in long term disability. Return to work programs would include interviews with the employer and direct supervisors followed by a functional capacity evaluation after which the results are used to guide and develop a return to work program specific to the individual.
Research indicates that the longer you are off work post injury or illness, the less likely it is that you will return to work. The employer and employee benefit from cooperating in your early and controlled return to work. The employee benefits by restoring their source of income and staying active to support the healing/recovery process. The employer benefits by minimizing the financial and human resource costs of your injury or illness to the company.