Work functioning measurement: tools for occupational mental health research.
OBJECTIVE
To review the status of work functioning research in workers with common mental disorders (CMDs) and also the work functioning measurement instruments. We distinguish between productivity, work role limitations, quality of work output, and extra effort required to remain productive.


METHODS
Two systematic literature studies; the first to identify articles that measured work functioning in workers with CMDs, and the second to identify work functioning measurement instruments.


RESULTS
Work functioning is mostly studied in relation to clinical factors. Instruments with acceptable psychometric properties exist for measuring productivity and work role limitations.


CONCLUSIONS
Further exploration of work-related determinants of work functioning is needed to develop more work-focused interventions. Existing instruments have to be tested in workers with CMDs. New work functioning instruments are needed to integrate the quality of work output and the effort required to remain productive.
Nieuwenhuijsen
Karen
K
Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. K.Nieuwenhuijsen@amc.uva.nl
Franche
Renée-Louise
RL
van Dijk
Frank J H
FJ
D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004526:Efficiency; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016272:Occupational Health; D014937:Work