Development of a work instability scale for rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the concept of work instability (WI), a state in which the consequences of a mismatch between an individual's functional abilities and the demands of his or her job could threaten continuing employment if not resolved, in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To develop the Work Instability Scale (WIS).


METHODS
WI in people with RA was explored through qualitative interviews, which were then used to generate items for the WIS.


RESULTS
Through Rasch analysis and validation against a gold standard of expert vocational assessment, a short 23-item, self administered, RA WIS was developed.


CONCLUSIONS
The WIS can be scored in 3 bands indicating low, medium, and high risk of work disability.
Gilworth
Gill
G
University of Leeds, United Kingdom. gilworths@aol.com
Chamberlain
M Anne
MA
Harvey
Andrew
A
Woodhouse
Amanda
A
Smith
Jacqui
J
Smyth
M Glyn
MG
Tennant
Alan
A
D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014937:Work