Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that identifies work-related limitations among patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in order to enhance work-directed care in daily orthopaedic practice, and to assess its content validity.
Methods: The questionnaire was developed following the evaluation of existing PROMs and consensus within the research team. The content validity was assessed in three steps: (1) one on one interviews with patients (n = 14) were held to discuss the clarity and possible adaptation of items; (2) experts from the field (physiotherapists, insurance physicians, occupational health physicians, rehabilitation physicians and orthopaedic surgeons) were approached to participate in an interview to discuss the clarity, relevance and missing items; (3) patients (n = 12) were interviewed one on one to discuss the final version.
Results: The first version of the WOrk-Related Questionnaire for UPper extremity disorders (WORQ-UP) consisted of 18 items based on the criteria: exertion, dexterity, handling tools & equipment, and mobility. According to patients (n = 14), 44% of the items were not easy enough to understand. Twenty-one experts [10 men, mean age 46 (SD = 8.5) and mean years of experience 16 (SD = 9.9)] participated in the interviews and adaptations were made. The final version of the WORQ-UP consisted of 17 items, all easy enough to understand according to patients (n = 12).
Conclusions: A PROM specific for work-related limitations in patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders was developed. According to patients and experts, it has sufficient content validity. The WORQ-UP can be used to assist in enhancing communication among healthcare workers to improve work-directed care and to evaluate effects of treatment on limitations at work.
Keywords: Limitations for work; Occupational diseases; Patient-reported outcome measurement; Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders; Upper limb; Work participation.