Work-ability evaluation: a piece of cake or a hard nut to crack?
OBJECTIVE
To describe what aspects, categorized according to the ICF model, insurance physicians (IPs) take into account in assessing short- and long-term work-ability.


METHODS
An interview study on a random sample of 60 IPs of the Dutch National Institute for Employee Benefit Schemes, stratified by region and years of experience.


RESULTS
In determining work-ability, a wide range of aspects were used. In the case of musculoskeletal disease, 75% of the IPs considered the 'function and structures' component important. With psychiatric and other diseases, however, the 'participation factor' component was considered important by 85 and 80%, respectively. Aspects relating to the 'environmental factor' and 'personal factor' components were mentioned as important by fewer than 25%. In assessing the short- and long-term prognosis of work-ability, the 'disease or disorder' component was primarily used with a rate of over 75%.


CONCLUSIONS
In determining work-ability, insurance physicians predominantly consider aspects relating to the 'functions and structures' and 'participation' components of the ICF model important. The 'environmental factor' and 'personal factor' components were not often mentioned. In assessing the short- and long-term prognosis of work-ability, the 'disease or disorder' component was predominantly used. It can be argued that 'environmental factors' and 'personal factors' should also more often be used in assessing work-ability.
Slebus
Frans G
FG
Academic Medical Center, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, The Netherlands. f.g.slebus@amc.uva.nl
Sluiter
Judith K
JK
Kuijer
P Paul F M
PP
Willems
J Han H B M
JH
Frings-Dresen
Monique H W
MH
D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018868:Insurance, Disability; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation