Internal consistency and construct validity of the readiness for RTW stages found were satisfactory, except for proactive work maintenance. The results indicate that the construct of readiness for RTW may vary by culture and patient setting.

BACKGROUND:A healthy and productive working life has attracted attention owing to future employment and demographic challenges.OBJECTIVE:The aim was to translate and adapt the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ) 2.0 to Norwegian and Danish.METHODS:The WRFQ is a self-administered tool developed to identify health-related work limitations. Standardised cross-cultural adaptation procedures were followed in both countries’ translation processes. Direct translation, synthesis, back translation and consolidation were carried out successfully.RESULTS:A pre-test among 78 employees who had returned to work after sickness absence found idiomatic issues requiring reformulation in the instructions, four items in the Norwegian version, and three items in the Danish version, respectively. In the final versions, seven items were adjusted in each country. Psychometric properties were analysed for the Norwegian sample (n = 40) and preliminary Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were satisfactory. A final consensus process was performed to achieve similar titles and introductions.CONCLUSIONS:The WRFQ 2.0 cross-cultural adaptation to Norwegian and Danish was performed and consensus was obtained. Future validation studies will examine validity, reliability, responsiveness and differential item response. The WRFQ can be used to elucidate both individual and work environmental factors leading to a more holistic approach in work rehabilitation.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to explore occupational rehabilitation clinicians’ experiences on how to approach their participants on long-term sick leave in order to facilitate return to work (RTW).MethodsAn exploratory qualitative design was used. Four focus groups were conducted with 29 clinicians working on interdisciplinary inpatient and outpatient occupational rehabilitation teams in Norway. The clinicians shared narratives from clinical practice. Transcripts were analysed, and results were reported by use of systematic text condensation.ResultsThe clinicians used several approaches to facilitate RTW among individuals on sick leave. Three themes emerged as especially important in order to succeed: 1) To get a basic understanding of the participant’s life-world through a mapping process; 2) To build a therapeutic alliance through communication characterised by sensitivity to the participants’ needs and emotional concerns; and 3) To initiate processes of change that increase the possibilities for RTW. Four main areas targetable for change were identified, three directed at the individual and one encompassing the participants’ surroundings. These approaches were: a) To increase feelings of confidence and coping; b) To increase the participants’ awareness of their own limits; c) To challenge inefficient and negative attitudes and thoughts related to the sick-role; and d) Close and immediate dialogue with key stakeholders.ConclusionsTo increase the possibilities for RTW among individuals on long-term sick leave, a thorough mapping process and the construction of a therapeutic alliance are seen as crucial elements in approaches by occupational rehabilitation clinicians. By gaining the participants’ trust and identifying their barriers and possibilities for work, the clinicians can target modifiable factors, especially at the individual level, and obstacles for RTW in their individual surroundings. This study elucidates what occupational rehabilitation clinicians do, say and provide to increase their participants’ abilities and possibilities to RTW.

The associations between two readiness for RTW factors (RTW inability and proactive work maintenance) and future work participation indicate that these factors can be used as screening tools to tailor occupational rehabilitation programs.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore self-perceived change in work ability among persons attending occupational rehabilitation programs. Method: We interviewed 17 persons 6 months after they had attended an inpatient occupational rehabilitation program in Norway. At the time of the interview, five participants worked full time, six worked reduced hours, and six were not working. Data were analyzed by use of the systematic text condensation method. Results: Self-perceived change in work ability during and after the rehabilitation program was influenced by the development of the participants' self-understanding and coping strategies, interaction with the workplace, support from actors outside the workplace, and social insurance regulations. The participants increased their self-understanding and coping strategies after being challenged on self-understanding and learning through counseling from rehabilitation professionals, through interaction with fellow participants, or through experiences from physical activities. After the program, the participants' interaction with their surroundings influenced their self-perceived work ability in different ways, depending on whether they were working or not. Those who were working experienced their interaction with the workplace, and support from other actors, as a positive contribution to their work ability. Those not working described problems in their interaction with the workplace, such as lack of workplace support or conflicts, and lack of support from actors outside the workplace, that had a negative influence on their work ability. Conclusions: Self-understanding and coping strategies, interaction with the workplace, support from actors outside the workplace, and social insurance regulations were intertwined categories,