Issues facing employability assessment in total and permanent disability insurance claims: A rehabilitation perspective

BACKGROUND: Expert employment information helps life insurers to decide total and permanent disability claims. The employability assessment model was developed a decade ago by rehabilitation counselors and has not been critically examined. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory descriptive study aims to elicit key issues of employability assessment within Australian life insurance. METHODS: Ten rehabilitation advisors with knowledge of employability assessment in the total and permanent disability sector participated in a single focus group. They each nominated issues of concern about employability assessment. These issues were collated then discussed within the group. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify key issues. RESULTS: The predominant theme was the forensic nature of employment evidence. There were three categories of key issues. First, assessment providers-their training, qualifications, experience, and role. Second, methodology-approaches that provide most realistic information about a claimant's likelihood of work. Third, policy definitions that illustrate reliance on legal interpretation of employability. CONCLUSIONS: To withstand legal scrutiny, the credentials of providers, assessment methodology, and quality of forensic reports are key issues which need to be addressed. This foundational study will contribute to broader research on this topic, with implications particularly for rehabilitation, life insurance, and claimants.