Article

PURPOSE: To systematically review the quality of the psychometric properties of
instruments for assessing functional limitations in workers applying for
disability benefit. METHOD: Electronic searches of Medline, Embase, CINAHL and
PsycINFO were performed to identify studies focusing on the psychometric
properties of instruments used to assess functional limitations in workers'
compensation claimants. Two independent reviewers applied the inclusion criteria
to select relevant articles and then evaluated the psychometric qualities of the
instruments found. RESULTS: Of the 712 articles that were identified, 10 studies
met the inclusion criteria, reporting on four instruments: the Roland-Morris
Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS),
the Isernhagen Work System (IWS) and the Multiperspective Multidimensional Pain
Assessment Protocol (MMPAP). The questionnaires (RMDQ and PSFS) did not focus
specifically on the work situation and measured three to eight functional
limitations. The psychometric qualities of the IWS were poor to moderate. For the
MMPAP, only predictive validity was measured. The instruments assessed a range
varying between 3 and 34 physical functional limitations. No instruments were
found for assessing mental limitations in workers' compensation claimants.
CONCLUSION: Studies on four instruments specifically focusing on assessing
physical functional limitations in workers applying for disability benefit were
found. All four instruments have limitations regarding their psychometric
qualities or contents. Since the RMDQ has the best demonstrated psychometric
qualities and takes little time to complete it, we recommend the RMDQ for
clinicians in rehabilitation. For the assessment of functional limitations in
workers applying for disability benefit a combination of questionnaires,
performance tests or interviews together with the judgment by physicians looks
the most promising.

Langue : ANGLAIS