occupational health assessments
We specialise in occupational health assessments which are bespoke to the needs and circumstances of the employer and employee. This could be in the form of a return to work plan, advice on how to support an employee with a health problem, remain in work, or general suggestions around workplace wellbeing.
We use the bio-psychosocial approach which recognises that a person’s health is not just influenced by their diagnosis (biological), but that their personal beliefs (psychological) and social circumstances all play a part in their attitude to, and engagement with, work. Our assessments therefore endeavour to understand all aspects of the employee’s life to help identify any issues outside of the workplace that may be influencing their ability to work. Wherever feasible, our assessments are carried out on-site with the employee, to enable a very clear appreciation of their job role and work environment – ensuring the report recommendations are appropriately tailored. We will provide a detailed report and respond to any specific questions asked in the referral.on site assessment
Occupational therapists recognise the relationship between the person, their work and their work environment. At Rehabilitate Therapy we believe that the best way to understand this relationship, wherever possible, is to see the person doing the job and in the environment they would normally do it. If this is not possible, we can work flexibly and use technology (e.g. Skype/Facetime) to speak with the employee and observe the work environment. Although we would always prefer to complete a face to face assessment, we have also on occasions carried out remote assessments through media such as Skype or Facetime when the client has been a long distance away and the job role has been such that a worksite visit was not required.
holistic approach
As part of our assessment, and where appropriate, we gain an understanding of the employee’s home circumstances to help identify any contributing factors that may be creating an obstacle to returning to, or remaining in, work. For example, are they experiencing a good night’s sleep? Does their health problem affect their ability to get dressed? Can they drive/use public transport to get to work? Taking this holistic approach helps identify potential barriers to work may not always considered.
Detailed reporting
We encourage employers to be clear about what information they would like as a result of the assessment. In doing so, we will endeavour to complete a detailed report clearly addressing your questions in a very direct way.
writing return to work plans
We will write a bespoke return to work plan to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. This can be supported by a detailed AHP Fitness for Work report (link). The AHP Fitness for Work report can also be used as alternative evidence to a GP Fit Note for sick pay (company or statutory sick pay), if both the employer and employee are in agreement.