The Encompass (Disability) Assessment:

- your patient/client has been in a treatment program for several months and has not yet been able to return to their usual activities and tasks
- your patient/client has previously been involved in a MVA as well as a work-related accident (that kept them out of work for 7 months)…..and has recently been injured in another MVA
-your client continues to be on modified duties from a work-related injury and is uncertain when he will be able to resume full duties

If you are asking these questions, you need reliable and honest answers….
The health professionals at The Downtown Clinic have been assessing and treating patients with ‘complex medical and post traumatic injuries’ since 1982….

They can provide the information you need, to make knowledgeable , unbiased and appropriate decisions….

These decisions may include:
- ongoing treatment recommendations
- identifying patients/clients who may need further medical, surgical or psychological intervention
- discussion with the employer about whether accommodation can be made on a long term basis for employees with permanent partial disabilities….

Medico - Legal or Disability Assessment

 

ENCOMPASS

Encompass is the name of the program at The Downtown Clinic developed for patients experiencing chronic (persistent) pain symptoms.
Problems may have arisen because of injuries sustained in motor vehicle or work related injuries or as a result/consequence of post-surgical or medical conditions.

What is an Encompass Assessment?

This is a physical and psycho-social comprehensive assessment by Gloria Gilbert, physiotherapist and Sharon Richman, educational counsellor.

The assessment usually takes place over one day. There are instances when two days are needed to ensure that information is available on the patient’ physical (work) tolerances and abilities.

At the conclusion of the process, recommendations about rehabilitation programs, and return to work/activity plans will be made.

Who Can Refer a Patient/ Client for the Encompass Assessment?

Request is usually from Insurers, lawyers or medical doctors. Patients can also self-refer.

What Does the Assessment Process Involve?

In order for the health professionals to make realistic treatment or long term recommendations about a patient’ recovery, information is needed from the family physician, the employer, as well as the patient

Prior to the First Day of Assessment:

• Funding approval received by insurer or lawyer
• Consent is received from patient/client to obtain relevant information and to participate in the Encompass assessment process
• Insurer/ lawyer/ health professional to fax list of available medical reports, investigative procedures to the Clinic. Clinic to fax back requesting copies of relevant reports
• Encompass Medical Information forms sent to the family physician and returned to The Downtown Clinic
• Employer Information Form sent to the employer and returned to the Clinic.
  If available, work demands analysis, job description and job security status of client also provided

Encompass Assessment Day 1:

• client / patient fills out relevant pain, disability, and coping style questionnaires
• client undergoes physiotherapy assessment
• client is interviewed by educational counsellor

Encompass Assessment Day 2: (Optional)

In order to get a baseline assessment of clients’ functional tolerances, a Functional Capacities Assessment (FCA) is conducted.
The FCA may not be necessary if a similar assessment has been completed within the previous 4 months.
Report of recent FCA or FCE to be forwarded to the Clinic.

Encompass Report:

Provided to insurer / lawyer / physician / patient within 10 business days of completing assessments
The Encompass assessment and report will provide objective information and treatment /management options. Informed health care recommendations can then be discussed with the patient/client and the family physician or medical specialist.

What are some of the specific Recommendations that are often made?

The Encompass Assessment & Report will present various Recommendations which may delineate any of the following:

a) to involve the client in a time-limited physiotherapy treatment program (either at The Downtown Clinic or another appropriate facility)
Components of this functionally-based treatment program to include the implementation of pain management strategies, manual therapy, education, counselling, goal setting and the development of an exercise/activity program.
A cognitive behavioural approach to treatment is an integral component of the Clinic program

b) To involve the client in a 10 session Pain management program at The Downtown Clinic.
Some of the topics included in the 2 hour discussion / participation sessions include:
- regaining control of life (self efficacy)
- scheduling and pacing of activities
- nutrition
- use of assistive and thermal devices for home use
- development of an exercise/activity program

c) To continue to work with the employer and individual health professionals to return and/ or maintain client at work

The Encompass assessment may also recommend the need for further medical, psychological, or vocational investigation.

It may also be concluded that no physical or psychological treatment should continue to be provided.
The report will include the rationale and suggested management for specific return to work, vocational or home-making activities.

Consultation services can be provided to other treatment or rehabilitation facilities by the staff at The Downtown Clinic on an as-needed basis.

No treatment programs will be initated until funding approval is obtained from insurer.
For further information on the Encompass Assessment , contact Gloria Gilbert, Director at gloria@downtownclinic.ca

  Information on Pain Resources

National FM Association
Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA)
Healthline
Chronic Pain Association of Canada
Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability
Purdue Pharma
Endometriosis Support Network