Isernhagen Work Systems - Why Isernhagen?


	We address the full continuum of employer needs from pre-hire to retire/exit. Developed by therapists, for therapists from working with physicians, employers, rehab case managers, etc. IWS has standardized, proven methods including: Functional Job Analysis/Functional Job Description (FJA/FJD) Prework Screening (PWS) Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Work Rehabilitation

	We have the ONLY standardized 2-part FCE on the market - 3 hours performed Day 1, and 2 hours Day 2. The 2-part testing process: More reliable than “one shot” testing formats. Enables the therapist to make objective statements regarding worker’s abilities over time Provides objective evidence of problems, instead of relying on the worker’s “report” of problems.

	We follow APTA and AOTA guidelines regarding who should perform FCEs. IWS method relies on licensed PTs and OTs knowledge and background in kinesiology, anatomy, physiology and pathology. Musculoskeletal exams are performed at the start of the FCE. Physical findings from the exam correlated with FCE activities. Safety is enhanced by therapist’s knowledge of pathology specific to the diagnosis.

	Our 13-Point Consistency Checklist identifies whether the client gave full consistent effort during testing. Measures are based on dynamic function rather than less meaningful static strength testing.

	Our FCE compares a worker’s abilities to specific job demands rather than relying on norms. Norms, Cannot be used to effectively determine a worker’s ability to return to a specific job Lack universally accepted measures for dynamic activities such as lifting and carrying May be discriminatory by inferring the worker is less able if they fall below the “norm.” Our Job Match and Job Exploration tools identify matches between workers and work.

	IWS FCE Reliability Study published in 1999 in WORK. A second IWS FCE Reliability study by Douglas Gross, University of Alberta, and presented at the International Back Pain and Disability Conference, New York in Dec. 2000. IWS FCE Predictive Validity Study in process for publication in late 2001; abstract published in PT Journal, May 2000. IWS FCE 6 month Outcome Study on over 1,300 “chronic” disability cases best illustrates the power of our FCE. The definition “chronic” is used because the injured workers in this study had been out of work an average of over 10 months and were never expected to return to the workplace. Without any other intervention, over 60% returned to work, most to the same job. In order to meet our definition of “returned-to-work”, they must stay on the job for at least 6 months. IWS Prework Screens result in: Decreased injuries Decreased workers’ compensation costs Decreased employee turnover Increased productivity IWS PWS validation ensures compliance with ADA and Human Rights legislation. Six months after participating in our Work Conditioning program, 366 injured workers who completed the program were surveyed to assess their return to work status. The survey showed that 85% (310 of 366) had returned to work.

	We provide clinical and marketing support to all trained therapists in our network. We Critique FCEs Talk therapists through difficult FCEs Act as a resource for providers Are available 5 days a week, 7am-5pm CST. Therapists can talk with therapists who have performed FCEs, designed Prework Screens, worked in industry, etc. No other system provides this depth of clinical support. We provide marketing support to our network members. Each quarter, we send out our list of providers to over 250 employers and insurers. We have agreements with some of these companies, such as MetDisability, CNA, Marathon Oil, to name a few. Payors, employers, lawyers and others contact our Referral Center for referrals. We list our network members on our web-based Locate a Provider tool to enable Referral Sources to quickly and easily find IWS providers in a particular area. WorkWell Systems, our parent company, is signing large employers to a comprehensive service offering that is expected to generate significant business for IWS-trained providers.

	We have the most advanced web-based FCE documentation tool. It is designed so that the therapist enters data while the FCE is being performed. All that is needed is a computer with access to the Internet, preferably over a high-speed line and in the testing area. This tool eliminates the need for dictation and transcription, makes generating the FCE summary report a very efficient process. Facilities automatically become part of IWS FCE Outcome Study by using the tool. FJA/PWS Internet tools, as well as a second generation web-based FCE tool, will “go live” in August 2001. These time-saving tools provide greater efficiency in generating reports and enable automated Job Matching and Job Exploration.

	IWS is well-recognized nationally and internationally. In fact, our FCE has been adopted as a national standard by the rehab associations in Germany and Switzerland. We have providers in 44 states and 14 countries.

	All faculty members are experienced clinicians and selected only after demonstrating mastery with IWS programs. IWS has 13 faculty members in the U.S., 1 in Canada, 1 in Australia, 1 in the Netherlands, 3 in Switzerland and 1 in Germany.

	The Ergonomics and Injury Management Training Course is a newly expanded 4 day conference with credentialing options. The Ergo conference is open to all professionals, both current providers and non-providers. It provides participants with practical information related to the field of ergonomics. Three Certificates of Competency are available: Return-to-Work Clinical Pathways Functional Ergonomics Office Ergonomics Isernhagen is committed to providing quality education related to ergonomics, injury prevention and injury management to assist therapists and other professionals working in industry.

	Susan Isernhagen continues to be very visible in the industrial field with numerous speaking engagements, published articles, and two books. Dennis Isernhagen, Margot Miller, Barbara Larson, Barb Herke-Smith, Janalee Reineke-Lyth, Laurie Johnson, and Steve McKenney are also recognized as experts in the field of injury prevention and management.