[New self-assessment tools for evaluating work ability]

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Rehabilitation medicine
• Healthcare assessment

Background:

• Work ability and function assessment is a core healthcare responsibility.
• Biopsychosocial models inform the evaluation of functional capacity, resources, and environmental interactions.
• Understanding an individual's capacity relative to job demands is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To recommend effective self-report measurement tools for assessing work ability and function.
• To identify instruments that facilitate interactive evaluation and follow-up.
• To support discussions on personal resources and limitations for return-to-work.

Main Methods:

• Utilized biopsychosocial models for work ability assessment.
• Identified and recommended three specific self-report measurement tools.
• Emphasized the interactive and follow-up capabilities of the selected tools.

Main Results:

• The Return-to-Work-Readiness Questionnaire (RTW-RQ) is a recommended tool.
• The Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy (RTW-SE) is a recommended tool.
• The Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) is a recommended tool.

Conclusions:

• The recommended tools provide a structured approach to evaluating work ability and function.
• These instruments facilitate discussions about personal resources and limitations.
• The tools support and promote successful return-to-work processes.