Prognostic value of self-reported work ability and performance-based lifting tests for sustainable return to work among construction workers

Kuijer, Paul; Gouttebarge, Vincent; Wind, Haije; Duivenbooden, Cor van; Sluiter, Judith K.; Frings‐Dresen, Monique H. W.

doi:10.5271/sjweh.3302

Cited by 49 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…However, before possibly adopting this simplified procedure, one needs to assess its validity when compared to the full WAI. To date, such an analysis has only been performed in a relatively limited population of long-term disabled workers [13], in a sample of the general population in Finland [9] and in a group of Dutch construction workers [18]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Work ability assessment in a worker population: comparison and determinants of Work Ability Index and Work Ability score

Fassi

Bocquet²,

Majéry³

et al. 2013

BMC Public Health

284

242

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BackgroundPublic authorities in European countries are paying increasing attention to the promotion of work ability throughout working life and the best method to monitor work ability in populations of workers is becoming a significant question. The present study aims to compare the assessment of work ability based on the use of the Work Ability Index (WAI), a 7-item questionnaire, with another one based on the use of WAI’s first item, which consists in the worker’s self-assessment of his/her current work ability level as opposed to his/her lifetime best, this single question being termed “Work Ability score” (WAS).MethodsUsing a database created by an occupational health service, the study intends to answer the following questions: could the assessment of work ability be based on a single-item measure and which are the variables significantly associated with self-reported work ability among those systematically recorded by the occupational physician during health examinations? A logistic regression model was used in order to estimate the probability of observing “poor” or “moderate” WAI levels depending on age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, position held, firm size and diseases reported by the worker in a population of workers aged 40 to 65 and examined between January 2006 and June 2010 (n=12389).ResultsThe convergent validity between WAS and WAI was statistically significant (rs=0.63). In the multivariable model, age (p<0.001), reported diseases (OR=1.13, 95%CI [1.11-1.15]) and holding a position mostly characterized by physical activity (OR=1.67, 95%CI [1.49-1.87]) increased the probability of reporting moderate or poor work ability. A work position characterized by the predominance of mental activity (OR=0.71, 95%CI [0.61-0.84]) had a favourable impact on work ability. These relations were observed regardless of the work ability measurement tool used.ConclusionThe convergent validity and the similarity in results between WAI and WAS observed in a large population of employed workers should thus foster the use of WAS for systematic screening of work ability. Ageing, overweight, decline in health status, holding a mostly physical job and working in a large-sized firm increase the risk of presenting moderate or poor work ability.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Work ability assessment in a worker population: comparison and determinants of Work Ability Index and Work Ability score

Fassi

Bocquet²,

Majéry³

et al. 2013

BMC Public Health

284

242

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This is especially significant in the group with full-time SLDP, where 75.4% were un-employed at MMR start. Previous studies show that self-reported work ability, give reliable information concerning patients work ability and can predict future sick leave [48,49] and a sustainable RTW [50]. We suggest that the single-item question from Work Ability Index (WAI) should be used.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Promoting work ability in a structured national rehabilitation program in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: outcomes and predictors in a prospective cohort study

Stigmar

Petersson

Jöud

et al. 2013

BMC Musculoskelet Disord

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BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major reason for impaired work productivity and sick leave. In 2009, a national rehabilitation program was introduced in Sweden to promote work ability, and patients with MSDs were offered multimodal rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of this program on health related quality of life, function, sick leave and work ability.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational cohort study including 406 patients with MSDs attending multimodal rehabilitation. Changes over time and differences between groups were analysed concerning function, health related quality of life, work ability and sick leave. Regression analyses were used to study the outcome variables health related quality of life (measured with EQ-5D), and sick leave.ResultsFunctional ability and health related quality of life improved after rehabilitation. Patients with no sick leave/disability pension the year before rehabilitation, improved health related quality of life more than patients with sick leave/disability pension the year before rehabilitation (p = 0.044). During a period of −/+ four months from rehabilitation start, patients with EQ-5D ≥ 0.5 at rehabilitation start, reduced their net sick leave days with 0.5 days and patients with EQ-5D <0.5 at rehabilitation start, increased net sick leave days with 1.5 days (p = 0.019). Factors negatively associated with sick leave at follow-up were earlier episodes of sick leave/disability pension, problems with exercise tolerance functions and mobility after rehabilitation. Higher age was associated with not being on sick leave at follow-up and reaching an EQ-5D ≥ 0.5 at follow-up. Severe pain after rehabilitation, problems with exercise tolerance functions, born outside of Sweden and full-time sick leave/disability pension the year before rehabilitation were all associated with an EQ-5D level < 0.5 at follow-up.ConclusionsPatients with MSDs participating in a national work promoting rehabilitation program significantly improved their health related quality of life and functional ability, especially those with no sick leave. This shows that vocational rehabilitation programs in a primary health care setting are effective. The findings of this study can also be valuable for more appropriate patient selection for rehabilitation programs for MSDs.

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“…The effectiveness of pre-employment examinations, including FCE, on musculoskeletal injuries could not be demonstrated. On the other hand, several individual studies have demonstrated the predictive value of FCE on sustainable return to work [53], risk for future work disability [54] and claim closure / benefit suspension [55,56]. Better FCE performance was associated with better outcomes, i.e.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustained employability of workers in a production environment: design of a stepped wedge trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost-benefit of the POSE program

et al. 2012

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BackgroundSustained employability and health are generating awareness of employers in an aging and more complex work force. To meet these needs, employers may offer their employees health surveillance programs, to increase opportunities to work on health and sustained employability. However, evidence for these health surveillance programs is lacking. The FLESH study (Functional Labour Evaluation for Sustained Health and employment) was developed to evaluate a comprehensive workers’ health promotion program on its effectiveness, cost-benefit, and process of the intervention.MethodsThe study is designed as a cluster randomised stepped wedge trial with randomisation at company plant level and is carried out in a large meat processing company. Every contracted employee is offered the opportunity to participate in the POSE program (Promotion Of Sustained Employability). The main goals of the POSE program are 1) providing employee’s insight into their current employability and health status, 2) offering opportunities to improve employability and decrease health risks and 3) improving employability and health sustainably in order to keep them healthy at work. The program consists of a broad assessment followed by a counselling session and, if needed, a tailored intervention. Measurements will be performed at baseline and will be followed up at 20, 40, 60, 80, 106 and 132 weeks. The primary outcome measures are work ability, productivity and absenteeism. Secondary outcomes include health status, vitality, and psychosocial workload. A cost-benefit study will be conducted from the employers’ perspective. A process evaluation will be conducted and the satisfaction of employer and employees with the program will be assessed.DiscussionThis study provides information on the effectiveness of the POSE program on sustained employment. When the program proves to be effective, employees benefit by improved work ability, and health. Employers benefit from healthier employees, reduced sick leave (costs) and higher productivity. The study can expose key elements for a successful implementation and execution of the POSE program and may serve as an example to other companies inside and outside the industry.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (http://www.trialregister.nl): NTR3445

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Prognostic value of self-reported work ability and performance-based lifting tests for sustainable return to work among construction workers

Cited by 49 publications

References 18 publications

Work ability assessment in a worker population: comparison and determinants of Work Ability Index and Work Ability score

Work ability assessment in a worker population: comparison and determinants of Work Ability Index and Work Ability score

Promoting work ability in a structured national rehabilitation program in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: outcomes and predictors in a prospective cohort study

Sustained employability of workers in a production environment: design of a stepped wedge trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost-benefit of the POSE program

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