Affiliations: Department of Public Health, Health and Society,
Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden | National Center for Work and Rehabilitation (RAR),
Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Per-Anders Tengland, Department of
Public Health, Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
Tel.: +46 40 665 7404; E-mail: Per-Anders.Tengland@mah.se
Abstract: PROBLEM: We often need to be able to assess the extent to which
individuals have or lack work ability. For this we need instruments. Most of
the instruments available have flaws. They either lack validity or they use
roundabout methods when collecting information about the individual's work
ability. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual model
for constructing a questionnaire that can be used for assessing work ability.
METHODS: The methods used are philosophical, i.e. analytical and
deductive. A conceptual theory is provided, and based on the resulting
definition of the concept of "work ability" conclusions are drawn regarding how
to assess work ability. RESULTS: When constructing quantitative instruments, we can increase
validity through using a more strict definition of work ability. However, such
an approach will only solve some of the problems noted above. The proposal is,
instead, to create a qualitative questionnaire, founded on a definition of
"work ability", which focuses on the concrete problems concerning the work
ability of the individual. Finally, a sketch of such an instrument is provided,
with questions covering all the relevant aspects of work ability. CONCLUSION: The qualitative questionnaire proposed is believed to be
superior to more traditional (quantitative) instruments for assessing a
person's work ability, as well as for finding solutions to her problems
concerning work ability.
Keywords: Evaluation, occupational competence, occupational virtues, questionnaire, work tasks
