Work Ability Assessment: A Description and Evaluation of a New Tool in Vocational Rehabilitation and Disability Claims

Abstract

Iceland is experiencing a growth in disability benefits similar to other European countries. As a consequence, assessment procedures and partial disability benefits have come under scrutiny. The work ability assessment procedure was initiated based on a report from the Prime Ministry in 2007 investigating whether the new work ability assessment is a useful tool in vocational rehabilitation and disability claims. The work ability assessment is a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s ability to participate actively in the labor market from a physical, mental and social perspective. In the developmental phase, established work ability assessment methods from other countries were tested as well as consensus meetings and developmental projects with clinical experts nationally and internationally. Based on the current developmental project the work ability assessment is deemed a useful instrument in vocational rehabilitation and disability claims. It serves the purpose both as an instrument and as a method and is in accordance with the most modern definitions and understanding of work ability. The work ability assessment procedure is a systematic evaluation which emphasizes the individual’s resources and opportunities and increases adaption with early intervention and vocational rehabilitation. The method is an continuous assessment process of information gathering in a structured way in which the overall aim is to increase the individual’s work ability. Based on the assessment, vocational rehabilitation or other types of work-related interventions are chosen, or, if work is not an option, a decision on eligibility of disability benefit is considered.