title: Associations Between the Readiness for Return to Work Scale and Return to Work: A Prospective Study.
abstract: Purpose To explore the usefulness of the Readiness for return to work scale in individuals participating in occupational rehabilitation, by assessing the association between the scale and return to work (RTW), and comparing the scale to a question assessing individuals' expectations about length of sick leave. Method Prospective cohort study with 9 months follow-up. Participants took part in one of two randomized clinical trials. Associations between the Readiness for RTW scale and RTW was analyzed using linear and logistic regression, with adjustment for age, gender and education. The Readiness for RTW scale was compared to a self-reported question assessing participants' expectations about length of sick leave using adjusted/pseudo R2. Results For participants not working (n = 96), high scores on two dimensions (Prepared for action-self-evaluative and Prepared for action-behavioral) were associated with a higher probability of sustainable RTW and more working days. For those working (n = 121), high scores on the Uncertain maintenance dimension was associated with a lower probability of sustainable RTW and less working days. Generally, models including the Readiness for RTW dimensions were not as good at explaining work outcomes as models including a single expectation question. Stage allocation, allocating participants to the dimension with the highest score, was problematic due to several tied scores between (not necessarily adjacent) dimensions. Conclusions Three of the Readiness for RTW dimensions were associated with RTW. However, several weaknesses with the Readiness for RTW scale were established and we particularly do not recommend the stage allocation approach for clinical use in its current form.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Postboks 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway. lene.aasdahl@ntnu.no.
authors.forename: Lene
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-4276-1345
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Aasdahl
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Postboks 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Kristine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pape
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Postboks 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.|National Center for Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Postboks 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Ottar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Vasseljen
authors.affiliation: University College of Southeast Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway.
authors.forename: Tore
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Braathen
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Postboks 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Roar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Johnsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Postboks 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.|Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Marius Steiro
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Fimland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D062707:Return to Work / Q000523:psychology*; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards
keywords: Mental health; Musculoskeletal diseases; Rehabilitation; Scale; Sick leave