title: Development of a work instability scale for rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Leeds, United Kingdom. gilworths@aol.com
authors.forename: Gill
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gilworth
authors.forename: M Anne
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Chamberlain
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Woodhouse
authors.forename: Jacqui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: M Glyn
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Smyth
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tennant
mesh_terms: 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