Affiliations: [a]
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
| [b]
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa | [c]
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa | [d]
Lifestyle Diseases Research Entity, Faculty of Health Sciences, North West University, Mahikeng, Republic of South Africa
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Peter Ibikunle, PhD. E-mail: po.ibikunle@unizik.edu.ng; ORCID: 0000-0003-3306-2921.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:The Return-to-Work Assessment Scale (RAS) was developed in 2021 by Ibikunle et al. to assess return-to-work among post-stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to describe how the conceptual (flag model and ICF) and theoretical framework (C-OAR-SE) were used in developing the RAS. METHOD:The development of the RAS consisted of three phases: (i) Initial item generation (ii) Face and content validity (iii) Psychometric testing. With each phase embracing the flag model, international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) and the C-OAR-SE an acronym for the six aspects of the theory: ‘C’ [construct definition], ‘OAR’ [object representation, attribute classification, and rater entity identification], and ‘SE’ [selection of item type and answer scale, as well as, enumeration]. RESULTS:A triangulated approach drawn on three separate theories and models. Phase one was developed by using the flag model which provided the semi-structured open ended questions that materialized into the draft instrument while phases two and three were developed using the ICF and the C-OAR-SE. The scale consists of two sections, A and B. Section A comprises general information about post-stroke survivors, which would not be scored, while section B includes three parts that are important to consider when deciding to return-to-work. CONCLUSION:An instrument called RAS was developed, an excellent, internally consistent, as well as reliable tool that has demonstrated good group and structural validity.
Keywords: Disability, psychology, physiotherapy, community rehabilitation
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220120
Journal: Work, vol. 75, no. 4, pp. 1427-1437, 2023
