Medico-Legal Assessments
Our medico-legal assessments by Dr Innocentia Chambale involve evaluating an individual's functional abilities, limitations, and needs in relation to a legal claim or dispute. Here's an overview of the process:
Referral
The occupational therapist receives a referral from a lawyer, insurance company, or court.
Review of documents
The therapist reviews relevant documents, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
Pre-assessment questionnaire
The therapist may send a questionnaire to the individual to gather information about their medical history, daily activities, and functional limitations.
Initial Consultation
The therapist meets with the individual to discuss the purpose of the assessment, the process, and the individual's concerns.
Clinical Interview
The therapist conducts a comprehensive interview to gather information about the individual (including medical history and current symptoms, daily activities, routines, and habits, functional abilities and limitations, employment and educational history and social and recreational activities).
Observations
The therapist observes the individual's mobility and transfers, daily living activities (e.g. bathing, dressing, feeding) and cognitive function (e.g., attention, memory, problem-solving).
Standardized Assessments
The therapist may administer standardised assessments (such as Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Barthel Index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)).
Functional Assessments
The therapist evaluates the individual's ability to perform specific tasks (such as cooking and meal preparation, household management and personal care and hygiene).
Report Writing
The therapist compiles a comprehensive report detailing the individual's functional abilities, limitations, and needs.
Recommendations
The therapist provides recommendations for future medical treatment or interventions, assistive devices or equipment, home modifications or accommodations and vocational rehabilitation or return-to-work strategies.
Testimony
The therapist may be required to provide expert testimony in court to support their findings and recommendations.
Objectivity
The therapist remains impartial and unbiased throughout the assessment process.
Comprehensive Assessment
The therapist considers all relevant factors, including medical, psychological, and environmental aspects.
Evidence-Based Practice
The therapist relies on scientific evidence and best practices to inform their assessment and recommendations.
By following this process, occupational therapists can provide accurate and reliable medico-legal assessments that help resolve disputes and inform decision-making.