Development of a novel WOrk-Related Questionnaire for UPper extremity disorders (WORQ-UP)

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. 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. 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). 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.