The DIAMO is a generic and not disease oriented instrument. It would be expected to facilitate the development of vocational interventions to increase the rehabilitation outcome.

Within the science of rehabilitation and the medical research field there is a lack of an adequate instrument to assess work motivation. In order to be able to evaluate work-referred motivation structures with their strengths and weaknesses a multi-dimensional viewpoint was conceptualised on the basis of an interview study. Three new concepts were developed to which 12 scales with 202 items were assigned ("motivational self image" with six scales; "motivational intention of action" and "motivational goodness of fit" both with three scales). In a pilot study using a sample of vocational rehabilitants the major part of the concepts was identified using factor analysis. In certain areas modifications were made, so that 10 scales remained forming the basis for the development of a diagnostic instrument.

The relevance of work motivation for medical research and healthcare, in particular rehabilitation, is described. Four diagnostic instruments in the German language are introduced which can assess work motivation using a scale system: AVEM, JDS, LMI and FBTM. Their possible application and potential usage for the clinical area are discussed. Apart from the FBTM, none of these instruments can be directly used as a general instrument in a normal medical clinical setting. Finally, a current model for work motivation (compensatory model of work motivation and volition) is presented that contains basis concepts, which are judged as important for future research questions concerning the development of motivation diagnostic instruments.

First evaluation results of the training ZAZO document the positive effect on both work motivation and subjective prognosis of the ability to work. The results of the evaluation present the good acceptance of the participants (93.3% = rather content to very content). The implementation of the group intervention in existing programs of rehabilitation can benefit job-related reintegration and will thereby contribute to lower costs for pension regulatory authorities in the long run.