The Back Disability Risk Questionnaire for Work-Related, Acute Back Pain: Prediction of Unresolved Problems at 3-Month Follow-Up

Abstract

(J Occup Environ Med. 2009;51:185-194)

3rd place, PREMUS best paper competition: development of the return-to-work self-efficacy (RTWSE-19) questionnaire – psychometric properties and predictive validity

“…General beliefs and expectations about the impact of pain on daily function, then, may be altered when viewed through the lens of workplace activities, responsibilities, and relationships. This may explain the surprisingly weak concordance between outcome measures of functional impairment and RTW in studies of low-back pain (51).…”

Absence from work and return to work in people with back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Research into the measurement of return to work suggests that there are difficulties associated with reliability (particularly of self-reported status), and that the validity of measures should be examined as common measures of return to work lack information on sensitivity and specificity 58. Additionally, Anema et al 10 urge caution when comparing return to work rates across countries as a result of differing systems of disability benefits and applied work interventions, which have been demonstrated to have an impact on the rates of absence 67…”

The Effects of Patient-Provider Communication on 3-Month Recovery from Acute Low Back Pain

“…This "case rating" method has been used in previous studies to denote cases of acute LBP that are likely to require continued clinical assessment, care, or monitoring. 45 At 3-month follow-up, 81 patients (84% of original sample) were able to be reached by telephone. The mean pain rating (0 -10) was 2.8 (SD, 2.0); the mean RMDQ score of functional limitation (0 -100) was 29.2 (SD, 30.3); and 70% had returned to full duty work.…”

“…For example, a very brief 4-question screener is available to efficiently assess for history of major depression or anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire 4). 49 Other screening questionnaires designed specifically for LBP include the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire, 50 the Back Disability Risk Questionnaire, 45 and the Vermont Disability Prediction Questionnaire. 51 Such brief screens were designed to identify patients at highest risk based on pain catastrophizing, difficulties of job modification, unnecessary activity restriction, and similar factors.…”