Self-rated work ability and its association with work ability benefits: A systematic review

BackgroundSeveral metrics have been used in determining perceived work ability within the working population. Poor perceived work ability has been shown to predict a higher risk of sickness absences and transition to disability pension. Even direct self-rating of work ability has been operationalised through the Self-Rated Work Ability (SRWA) measure and its variations.ObjectiveThe aim is to examine how SRWA is associated with work ability benefits.MethodsA systematic review of the literature on self-assessed work ability and work ability benefits was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA rules. A search was conducted in the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Medic, PyscArticles and ProQuest using key words and headings from the year 2000 onwards. Two reviewers screened the abstracts and full texts with predefined criteria.ResultsThe search strategy resulted in 762 studies, of which three studies with altogether 7184 persons met the inclusion criteria. Very few studies with heterogenous design and quality have been conducted on the association between self-rated work ability and work ability benefits. Firstly, our results conclude that limited or poor SRWA predicts disability retirement. Secondly, there is a moderate correlation between subjective SRWA and objective work ability in mental disorders. Thirdly, poor SRWA correlates negatively with employment 12 months after cancer rehabilitation and positively with the time it takes to return to work.ConclusionsPoor SRWA is associated with a risk of disability retirement, but the overall association between SRWA and work ability benefits remains unclear and needs further research.