Validation of the work-ability support scale in individuals seeking to return to work after severe acquired brain injury

PurposeTo assess the reliability and validity of the work-ability support scale (WSS) in a severe traumatic/acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI) population seeking to return to work (RTW).Materials and methodsOne hundred forty-four clients were enrolled in a vocational rehabilitation (VR) intervention trial through the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program in New South Wales, Australia. Each client's primary brain injury clinician and VR provider completed the WSS pre- and post-intervention. Validating measures assessing dysexecutive behavior, disability, participation, and work instability were completed. Several aspects of reliability and validity were evaluated.ResultsInternal consistency was excellent for Part A (Cronbach's & alpha;s > 0.9) but unacceptably low to questionable for Part B (& alpha;s < 0.6). Inter-rater reliability between clinicians and VR providers was generally fair to moderate for Part A (& kappa;(w) < 0.6) and worse for Part B (& kappa;(w) < 0.5), with both slightly improving at post-intervention. Strong support was found for predictive and convergent validity, but not divergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a poor fit for Part A, whereas most Part B fit indices met criteria.ConclusionsThe WSS can play a useful role in assessing return to work (RTW) potential, planning and evaluation after severe TBI/ABI. Training could improve consistency of administration among staff working across health and VR service sectors.

Automated summary

The study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Work-Ability Support Scale (WSS) in severe traumatic/acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI) population seeking to return to work (RTW). The results showed excellent internal consistency and strong predictive and convergent validity of the WSS in assessing RTW potential, planning, and evaluation after severe TBI/ABI, although there were some areas for improvement.