The primary objective was to create an overview of standardized, self-reported tools for identifying patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at risk for long-term sickness absence, assessing work ability and guiding work-related rehabilitation. The secondary objective was to determine which components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) these tools encompass.
A scoping review following Kahlil’s five-step process was conducted. 1)The research question was formulated through expert consultations and literature searches. 2) Literature searches were performed in databases such as Embase, Medline, Pedro, CINAHL, and AMED using terms related to functional assessment, work function, and tools. 3)Four researchers screened the studies, and three synthesized the data. 4) An overview of the data was created. 5)The significance for physiotherapy practice and further research was summarized. Additional sources and citation searches were made through contacting Norwegian specialists, checking reference lists, and conducting citation searches on Google Scholar. We included studies regardless of publication year and language. Inclusion criteria specified tools suitable for use by physiotherapists in primary health care within 15-20 minutes, generic tools used for a population with MSDs, studies with short-term sick leave samples, and peer-reviewed publications. Tools designed for specific diagnoses, physical function measures, or studies about translation of tools to non-Scandinavian languages were excluded.
From 9,872 titles and abstracts, 284 full-text articles were reviewed, resulting in 90 studies included. The studies examined 27 standardized tools. The tools vary in scope, item count, and ICF components covered, with most focusing on body, activity, and participation components. Most tools take 2-15 minutes to complete. The Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (OMPQ) and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) are the most extensively examined in persons with MSDs. These tools have been widely translated and are well-represented in the literature.
This review provides physiotherapists an overview of 27 standardized, self-reported tools for identifying and following up patients with MSDs at risk for long prolonged sickness absence. While most of the tools cover the body, activity and participation components of the ICF model, some tools developed in recent years also include the environmental and/or personal components. Most tools take 2-15 minutes to complete, which is acceptable for use in primary health care.
Physiotherapists can use these tools to better identify and monitor patients at risk of long-term sickness absence due to MSDs. This can lead to more tailored and effective rehabilitation programs, potentially reducing long-term disability and dependence on health-related benefits. Future research should continue developing and evaluating tools that address a broader range of ICF dimensions to ensure more holistic assessments.
Sickness absence
work ability
