You are viewing a javascript disabled version of the site. Please enable Javascript for this site to function properly.
Go to headerGo to navigationGo to searchGo to contentsGo to footer
In content section. Select this link to jump to navigation

Validity of work-related assessments

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ev Innes, | Leon Straker,

Affiliations: School of Occupation and Leisure Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia | School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University of Technology, Selby St., Shenton Park, WA 6008, Australia

Note: [] Tel.: +61 2 9351 9209; Fax: +61 2 9351 9197; E-mail: E.Innes@cchs.usyd.edu.au

Keywords: validity, work-related assessment, functional capacity evaluation

Journal: Work, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 125-152, 1999

Received 21 December 1998
|
Accepted 29 January 1999
|
Published: 1999
Get PDF

Abstract

Insufficient evidence of the validity of work-related assessments is frequently reported as a major concern in occupational rehabilitation. Despite this concern, and the continuing development of new and old assessments, no comprehensive evaluation of the evidence has been conducted. {\it Objectives:} The purpose of this study was to first determine the extent and quality of available evidence for the validity of work-related assessments, and then where sufficient evidence was available, determine the level of validity. {\it Study Design:} This study examined available literature and sources in order to review the extent to which validity has been established for 28 work-related assessments. {\it Results:} The levels of evidence and validity are presented for each assessment. Most work-related assessments have limited evidence of validity. Of those that had adequate evidence, validity ranged from poor to good. There was no instrument that demonstrated moderate to good validity in all areas. Very few work-related assessments were able to demonstrate adequate validity in more than one area, or with more than one study, even when contributory evidence was included. {\it Conclusion:} With this study clinicians will be able to examine their options with regard to the validity of the assessments they choose to use.

Show more