The Readiness for Return-To-Work (RRTW) scale: development and validation of a self-report staging scale in lost-time claimants with musculoskeletal disorders.
BACKGROUND
We report on the development and validation of a 22-item scale assessing stage of readiness for return-to-work, the Readiness for Return-to-Work (RRTW) scale.


METHODS
Lost-time claimants (n = 632) completed a telephone survey one month after a work-related musculoskeletal injury. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of readiness items were conducted with two separate samples, and concurrent validity was examined.


RESULTS
For workers not working, 60% of the variance was explained by four factors--(1) Precontemplation, (2) Contemplation (3) Prepared for Action-Self-evaluative and (4) Prepared for Action-Behavioral. For those working, 58% of the variance was explained by two factors--(1) Uncertain Maintenance and (2) Proactive Maintenance. Confirmatory factor analyses had satisfactory fit indices to confirm the initial model. Concurrent validity of the scale was supported: relationships of readiness with depressive symptoms, fear-avoidance, pain, and general health, were generally in the hypothesized direction.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychometric properties of the newly developed instrument suggest that the application of the Readiness for Change model to return-to-work is relevant to work disability research. The instrument may facilitate the offer of stage-specific services tailored to injured workers' needs, and be used for evaluation of return-to-work interventions.
Franche
Renée-Louise
RL
Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4G 2E9. rfranche@iwh.on.ca
Corbière
Marc
M
Lee
Hyunmi
H
Breslin
F Curtis
FC
Hepburn
C Gail
CG
D002170:Canada; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010358:Patient Participation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D018582:Sick Leave; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014942:Workers' Compensation
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