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Ekbladh E, Yngve M, Melin J. Initial evaluation of measurement properties of the Work Environment Impact Questionnaire (WEIQ) - using Rasch analysis. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2024; 22:43. [PMID: 38816864 PMCID: PMC11140878 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-024-02260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide both preventive and rehabilitative conditions in a workplace, one must understand how employees experience work demands. Such an understanding can be obtained from each individual with valid and quality-assured questionnaires. The Work Environment Impact Questionnaire (WEIQ) is a new questionnaire for measuring employees' self-perceived work ability in relation to their specific workplace environment. The purpose of this study was to assess the measurement properties in terms of construct validity of the WEIQ. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with 288 respondents from three different workplaces involving assisted living personnel, vocational rehabilitation personnel and personnel at a research institute. The measurement properties of the WEIQ were assessed according to Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT), including assessment of item-to-sample targeting, threshold ordering, item fit statistics, unidimensionality and reliability. RESULTS Item fit, i.e., fit residuals, item characteristic curves (ICC) and chi square values, were all satisfactory, and no disordered thresholds were present after collapsing the lowest response categories. However, issues with local dependent (LD) item correlations was present in 7.6% cases, four items showed statistically significant differential item functioning (DIF), where 11% of the respondents had person fit residuals outside the recommended range of ± 2.5 and the t-test for unidimensionality did not meet the criterion of 5%. Scale-to-sample targeting and reliability (0.92) were good. LD could be resolved with testlets and at the same time maintaining fit and improving dimensionality, but then the reliability decreased to 0.82. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an initial validation of the WEIQ to be used for assessing employees' self-perceived work ability. Most measurement properties were acceptable, but further exploration of LD, DIF and unidimensionality in additional work settings and with larger sample sizes is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Ekbladh
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Norrköping, 601 74, Sweden.
| | - Moa Yngve
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Norrköping, 601 74, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Melin
- Division Safety & Transport, Department Measurement Science and Technology, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Strømstad K, Skarpaas LS, Haslerud SI, Alve YA, Sandqvist J, Aas RW. Exploring return to work barriers through the lens of model of human occupation. The NOW WHAT project. Scand J Occup Ther 2024; 31:2297732. [PMID: 38242153 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2023.2297732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The challenges of returning to work after sickness absence demands a wide conceptual understanding of what hinders the employee's work participation. Thus, there is a need to know more about self-perceived barriers for Return to Work (RTW). AIM This study aimed to investigate RTW barriers experienced by employees on long-term sick leave, through the lens of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was a large-scale qualitative interview study (n = 85) using semi-structured telephone interviews. Eligible participants had received sick leave benefits for between 6 months and 1.5 years. The data were analysed with quantitative and qualitative content analysis. A deductive approach using the MOHO concepts guided the analysis process. RESULTS The study generated 941 coded meaning units describing barriers for RTW, of which we were able to code 895 within the framework of MOHO. In the person-specific concepts, performance capacity barriers were most often described (n = 303), followed by volitional barriers (n = 165) and barriers related to habituation (n = 66). Barriers related to the environmental components amounted to 361. Barriers in the occupational environment was dominant (n = 214). CONCLUSION Experienced barriers related to both environmental components and person-specific concepts. SIGNIFICANCE The habituational and volitional perspective on barriers can contribute to the identification and communication of performance capacity-related barriers not previously identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kine Strømstad
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Lisebet S Skarpaas
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sturla I Haslerud
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Yeasir A Alve
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - Jan Sandqvist
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Randi W Aas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Lindberg M, Ranner M, Månsson-Lexell E, Jacobsson L, Larsson-Lund M. Work and everyday life in a digitalized time: Experiences of people with subjective cognitive difficulties related to neurological disorders. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260013. [PMID: 34780560 PMCID: PMC8592488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digitalization has changed working life and increased cognitive demands on employees in general. Nevertheless, the consequences for employees with cognitive impairments and subjective cognitive difficulties are to a large extent unexplored. The aim of this study was to explore and describe how employees with subjective cognitive difficulties who are performing digital work tasks experience their vocational situation and how this situation influences their everyday life. METHODS A qualitative, descriptive, multiple-case study was designed. Self-reports, assessments and qualitative interviews were used to collect data from the seven participants with neurological disorders. The data were analysed using pattern matching. FINDINGS The analysed data formed four categories conceptualized as "Working to my full potential", "Working, but it is largely up to me", "Working at the expense of everyday life" and "Working without known difficulties", and these categories included one to four subcategories. CONCLUSION Managing subjective cognitive difficulties in vocational situations and everyday life was challenging in a digitalized working life for participants with neurological disorders. To provide equal access to preventive measures and rehabilitation and a sustainable working life, it is important to investigate the influence of subjective cognitive difficulties systematically on work, everyday life and management strategies in people with neurological disorders in digitalized work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Lindberg
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Division of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Maria Ranner
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Division of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Eva Månsson-Lexell
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund-Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars Jacobsson
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Division of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Maria Larsson-Lund
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Division of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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Holmlund L, Guidetti S, Hultling C, Seiger Å, Eriksson G, Asaba E. Evaluating the feasibility of ReWork-SCI: a person-centred intervention for return-to-work after spinal cord injury. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036000. [PMID: 32819984 PMCID: PMC7443280 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility of: (1) ReWork-SCI with regard to adherence and acceptability and (2) a study design for evaluating ReWork-SCI with regard to recruitment, retention and outcome measures. DESIGN Pre-test and post-test, single group, feasibility study. SETTING Spinal cord injury (SCI) unit at a regional rehabilitation centre in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS Two women and five men (n=7). Eligible criteria: (1) sustained traumatic or non-traumatic SCI; (2) completed the first acute care episode in a hospital; (3) between 18 to 65 years of age; (4) assessed by a physician as approachable for participation in the intervention; (5) history of permanent or temporary employment; (6) self-reported desire to return to work; and (7) ability to communicate in English or Swedish. INTERVENTION ReWork-SCI is a person-centred intervention for return-to-work (RTW), developed and evaluated using the Medical Research Council's guidelines. ReWork-SCI follows a person-centred, structured and coordinated intervention process led by a coordinator within a SCI rehabilitation team. OUTCOME MEASURES The feasibility of ReWork-SCI and a study design was evaluated using a set of outcome measurement tools, vocational data, logbooks and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS All eligible participants accepted enrolment and follow-up. All participants had a plan for RTW after 3 months and four participants had initiated part-time work or work trial 6 months after commencement of intervention. Adherence and acceptability were overall good. Challenges of the intervention related to the person-centred follow-up, staff shortage and rootedness in the SCI team. CONCLUSIONS ReWork-SCI was feasible and can contribute to a systematic design of an individualised plan, facilitate decision-making and build trust in the RTW process after SCI. Core features of the intervention was the systematic structure, use of a person-centred approach and dialogue with the employer. For the effectiveness of ReWork-SCI, modifications and considerations of study design are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Holmlund
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Rehab Station Stockholm/Spinalis, R&D Unit, Rehab Station Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Guidetti
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Claes Hultling
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Solna, Sweden
| | - Åke Seiger
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Rehab Station Stockholm/Spinalis, R&D Unit, Rehab Station Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Eriksson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eric Asaba
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Research, Education, and Development Unit, Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sturesson M, Bylund SH, Edlund C, Falkdal AH, Bernspång B. Collaboration in work ability assessment for sick-listed persons in primary healthcare. Work 2020; 65:409-420. [PMID: 32007984 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners (GPs) have expressed difficulties in issuing sickness certificates and problems may arise if this work is not performed in an adequate manner. There is scant knowledge about how collaboration with other professions could be organized to enhance this work. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the feasibility of occupational therapists (OTs) performing supplementary assessments for persons on sick leave. METHODS Four healthcare centres (HCs) tested a working approach intervention where sick-listed patients were offered a complementary occupational therapy assessment. The OT assessments were intended to provide useful information for GP issued extended sickness certificates. Data on sick leave, sickness certificates and patient questionnaires were collected at different HCs. Interviews were conducted with GPs and OTs and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to analyse the intervention's implementation. RESULTS No major differences in the sickness certificate quality was found. Available data on sick leave increased for all HCs during the project. Not all GPs used the OT assessments, which indicates that the implementation of the intervention was insufficient. CONCLUSION Testing a new working approach in primary healthcare requires an implementation strategy. To improve sickness certification quality, this work needs to be prioritized as an important healthcare task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Sturesson
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Division of Occupational Therapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sonya Hörnqvist Bylund
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Division of Occupational Therapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Curt Edlund
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Annie Hansen Falkdal
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Division of Occupational Therapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Bernspång
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Division of Occupational Therapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Lexell EM, Langdell I, Lexell J. Vocational situation and experiences from the work environment among individuals with neuromuscular diseases. Work 2017; 56:519-530. [PMID: 28409766 DOI: 10.3233/wor-172527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) can affect the ability to be employed and to work, but there is limited knowledge of individuals' own perspectives of factors that are important for their vocational situation. OBJECTIVE To explore the vocational situation among people with NMD that are employed, and to describe their experiences of how their disability, personal and environmental factors influence their ability to continue to work. METHODS Nine participants with different NMD were included. A mixed-methods design was used, and data were collected by means of semi-structured and open-ended interviews, and ratings of aspects supporting or interfering with their work performance and the ability to continue to work. Data were analyzed with directed content analysis based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and with descriptive statistics. RESULTS The participants' personal characteristics, support from others at work and at home, and a flexible work organization were perceived as important factors facilitating work continuation, whereas physically demanding work assignments and factors in the physical environment were perceived as barriers. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of how personal characteristics as well as support from the work organization, managers and family members can facilitate the ability to work is important for employers, staff within different parts of the health care system, and the social security system. Future research should focus on interventions that are best suited to enhance the vocational situation for individuals with NMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Lexell
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund-Malmö, Sweden
| | - I Langdell
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - J Lexell
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund-Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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Machingura T, Lloyd C. Mental health occupational therapy and supported employment. IRISH JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 2017. [DOI: 10.1108/ijot-02-2017-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
The individual placement and support (IPS) model is an evidence-based approach to employment support for people with severe mental illness that functions by co-locating an employment consultant from the local disability employment service within a community mental health team to assist service users to find work. This paper aims to examine the unintended impacts of implementing IPS on occupational therapy practice and offer some suggestions.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors performed a narrative literature review on the IPS model, employment and occupational therapy. Authors then analysed and discussed impact on occupational therapy practice and concluded by making suggestions based on current evidence and practice.
Findings
The authors concluded that implementation of IPS has resulted in some unintended changes of practice in mental health with occupational therapists taking a less active role in enabling employment outcomes than previously. This paper concludes by calling upon occupational therapists to re-establish their role of enabling employment.
Originality/value
This paper offers an original viewpoint on employment and occupational therapy based on current evidence and authors’ expertise.
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Regardt M, Welin Henriksson E, Sandqvist J, Lundberg IE, Schult ML. Work ability in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis: An explorative and descriptive study. Work 2016; 53:265-77. [PMID: 26409371 DOI: 10.3233/wor-152127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are rare, chronic inflammatory diseases leading to muscle weakness and low muscle endurance. The muscle weakness may lead to restrictions in daily activities and low health-related quality of life. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the work situation, work ability, work-related risk factors, and influence of the physical and psycho-social work environment in patients with PM and DM. METHODS Patients with PM/DM were assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI), and the Work Environment Impact Scale (WEIS). RESULTS Forty-eight patients (PM n = 25 and DM n = 23) participated (women/men: 29/19) with a mean age of 54 years (range 28-67 years, SD.10) and mean disease duration of nine years (SD.9). Forty-four percent worked full-time, 31% part-time and 25% were on full-time sick leave. More than 50% self-rated work ability as "poor" or "less good". Physically strenuous work components were present "quite to very often" in 23-79% and more in patients on sick leave ≥ 2 years. For those working, the interfering factors in the work environment concerned task and time demands. Supporting factors concerned meaning of work, interactions with co-workers and others. Self-rated work ability correlated moderately-highly positive with percentage of full-time employment, work-related risk factors and opportunities and constraints in the work environment. CONCLUSIONS Poor self-rated work ability is common in patients with PM/DM indicating a need to identify interfering risk factors and support patients to enhance work performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Regardt
- Department of Occupational Therapy Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Sweden.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Welin Henriksson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Sandqvist
- Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Norrkoping, Sweden
| | - Ingrid E Lundberg
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie-Louise Schult
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden.,The Rehabilitation Medicine University Clinic, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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