Assessment of long-term sickness absence: content and face validity of a new questionnaire based on qualitative data from nominal groups.

BACKGROUND: Increasing rates of long-term sickness absence are a worldwide problem. Belgium is the first country in Europe that aims to screen its entire population of sick leavers (sick leave > 6 weeks) for the risk of long-term sickness absence in order to focus resources on the high-risk group and to provide adequate return-to-work support. Our aim was to investigate content and face validity of a newly designed questionnaire (Quickscan) using item prioritization of patients and professionals in the field of long-term sickness absence. This questionnaire was developed based on a review of the literature and existing instruments (Goorts et al, J Public Health Res 7:1419, 2018). METHODS: Qualitative data were collected using the nominal group technique. The data were gathered exploring factors that influence return-to work restrictions or opportunities. RESULTS: Participants indicated 20 out of 21 of the questionnaire factors as important reasons that might influence the return-to-work process. Additionally, 16 factors were discussed that were not yet included in the Quickscan but that might provide useful information on return-to-work issues, according to the participants. In the prioritization of items, we found considerable diversity among participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the validity of the Quickscan items to ask patients about important return-to-work barriers or opportunities. However, additional factors were identified that may improve the assessment of risk for long-term sickness absence.

Correction to: Assessment of long-term sickness absence: content and face validity of a new questionnaire based on qualitative data from nominal groups.

In the original publication of this article [1] the author Marc Du Bois was omitted. In this correction article the author and the corresponding details are provided. The publisher apologizes to the readers and authors for the inconvenience.

A pilot randomized controlled trial on motivational interviewing in return to work after work disability.

PURPOSE: Does 15-minute consult using Motivational Interviewing (MI) have a positive effect on (1) time until return to work (RTW) and relapse after work resumption for patients who have been work disabled for longer than 3 months, and (2) can psychological variables (i.e., work-related motivation, work-related psychological needs, quality of life and work ability) explain these results? METHODS: 265 patients were included in a pilot randomized controlled trial, parallel and single blind, with an allocation ratio of 1:1 comparing the consult with MI with the consult as usual group (CAU). There was a 12-month follow up on actual RTW and relapse for both groups. The psychological outcomes were work-related motivation (MAWS), work-related psychological needs (BPNSFS), quality of life (EQ5D5L)) and work ability (WAI). Measurement of these indicators took place at baseline, 1 week after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. RESULTS: Patients in the MI group showed faster RTW and had a lower chance of relapse compared to those in the CAU condition. No significant differences were found between MI and CAU for the psychological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, there is some evidence that counseling including MI helps work-disabled patients to RTW faster and experience less relapse. However, much remains unknown about the underlying psychological mechanisms explaining this effect. Suggestions are made for the full RCT.

Motivation in the return to work process: a self-determination cluster approach.

PURPOSE: Motivation may predict return to work (RTW), yet the measurement of motivation needs more scientific evidence. We adopt a dimensional approach, based on the self-determination theory (SDT), distinguishing between amotivation, controlled and autonomous motivation. We seek to explore the presence of these dimensions in sick-disabled patients, and are interested in associations with quality of life, depression, patient's predictions of RTW, and health care provider estimations of patient's motivation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study in 336 patients was conducted. Motivation was assessed using the Motivation at Work Scale (MAWS) and examined in relation to patient outcomes, patient's prediction of RTW, and health care provider estimations of patients' motivation. A cluster analysis was performed, and differential associations between motivational profiles were explored. RESULTS: Cluster analysis revealed four profiles. Highly controlled profiles were most prevalent, reported poorer mental quality of life, and expected a longer time before RTW, regardless of the level of autonomous motivation. Interestingly, the health care provider's estimation was not related to controlled motivation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that SDT may help to differentiate people with a work disability regarding their motivation to RTW. Most notably, the devastating consequences of controlled motivation are discussed, and clinical implications are provided.Implications for RehabilitationAssessing the different dimensions of motivation in the context of RTW will be a significant advance as the self-report measures appear to be viable tools.Controlled motivation, which indicates that people are motivated to RTW but only because they "have to", has negative consequences yet a high prevalence and should therefore be addressed by the practitioner.Practitioners should keep in mind that employees are motivated by several motives at the same time, with some being more beneficial than others.Controlled motivation can be converted into autonomous (i.e., good quality) motivation by supporting autonomy of the patient, by supporting their relationships with colleagues, managers, and health care providers and by supporting their feeling of competence in the RTW process.

Does motivation predict return to work? A longitudinal analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Motivation for return to work (RTW) reflects the degree of willingness to resume work activities and has been shown to be a crucial factor in long-term work disability. The satisfaction of basic psychological needs and motivation as described by the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) yield associations with outcomes such as quality of life and job satisfaction. The current study is the first study to examine whether motivation and basic psychological needs are predictive for RTW outcomes at 1-year follow-up. METHODS: About 349 people with a work disability (mean = 131.32 days off work) participated in this observational longitudinal research. Quality of motivation (MAWS) and basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration (BPNSFS) were measured at baseline. At 12-month follow-up, differences in RTW were assessed in terms of (1) time until RTW, (2) partial RTW, (3) relapse within 12 months, (4) work disability longer than 12 months. Binary logistic and cox regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Controlled motivation regarding the former job was related to shorter time until RTW. Autonomous motivation and amotivation did not seem predictive for RTW variables. The frustration of the basic needs was related to a longer work disability, need satisfaction was not related to the RTW variables. No significant predictors for relapse and partial RTW were found. CONCLUSIONS: The frustration of basic psychological needs was predictive for a longer work disability. Controlled motivation on the other hand predicted faster RTW, which was an unexpected direction. SDT seems to have predictive value, yet underlying mechanisms remain unclear.