Authors: Slebus, Frans G.; Kuijer, P. Paul F. M.; Willems, J. (Han) H. B. M.; Frings-Dresen, Monique H. W.; Sluiter, Judith K.

Source: Occupational Medicine, Volume 58, Number 7, October 2008 , pp. 475-479(5)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often a chronic relapsing disease resulting in work disability. For evaluation purposes a practical set of aspects of work ability would be helpful.

Aim To identify the most important disease-specific aspects of work ability for sick-listed employees with MDD.

Methods An expert brainstorming session identified the specific abilities that were thought to be associated with work ability in sick-listed employees with MDD and that could also be associated with the items of the Hamilton Rating scale for Depression. Sixty-four insurance physicians (IPs) were then selected to participate in a two-round Delphi study. The aim of the first Delphi round was to identify the abilities that were thought to be important by at least 80% of the IPs. In the second Delphi round, the abilities ranked in the top 10 by at least 55% of the IPs were identified as being the most important items.

Results Sixty-one IPs participated in the two Delphi rounds. The most important abilities to be evaluated in work ability evaluation for sick-listed employees with MDD were to take notice, to sustain attention, to focus attention, to complete operations, to think in a goal-directed manner, to remember, to perform routine operations, to undertake structured work activities, to recall and to perform autonomously.

Conclusion According to 55% of the IPs, there were 10 important aspects of work ability that have to be considered in a work ability evaluation of sick-listed employees with MDD.

Keywords: Instrument; major depressive disorder; work disability; work ability evaluation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqn091

Publication date: 2008-10-01

More about this publication?

• Occupational Medicine is an international peer-reviewed journal, providing vital information for the promotion of workplace health and safety. Topics covered include work-related injury and illness, accident and illness prevention, health promotion, occupational disease, health education, the establishment and implementation of health and safety standards, monitoring of the work environment, and the management of recognised hazards. Contributions are welcomed from practising occupational health physicians and research workers in related fields.

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