Psychometric properties of the Worker Role Self-assessment instrument used to evaluate unemployed people in Sweden

The aim was to determine the psychometric properties of the new Worker Role Self-assessment (WRS) instrument. The content validity, utility, test-retest reliability, sensitivity to change, and predictive validity of the WRS were investigated in two subject samples, which were selected at work and pain rehabilitation clinics, respectively. One of these groups consisted of 23 clients and four occupational therapists, and the other comprised 83 clients. All clients in both samples were unemployed. The results showed that both the clients and the occupational therapists perceived the content validity and the utility of the WRS as good. The test-retest reliability showed mostly good to moderate agreement, and the internal consistency was satisfactory. One of the items showed predictive validity for work capacity, and the same item was sensitive to change. However, a ceiling effect reduced the utility and the sensitivity to change. Our findings indicate that the WRS is promising as a tool that clinicians can use to evaluate the capacity for return to work and for planning interventions, although some revisions are needed to counteract the ceiling effect.