Article

In individuals with low back pain (LBP) psychosocial factors can act as obstacles
to return to work. A coloured Flags Framework has been conceptualised, in which
Blue Flags represent work-related psychosocial issues.
This systematic review was
conducted to appraise available instruments for the assessment of Blue Flags in
working age adults with non-specific LBP. The Ovid versions of MEDLINE, EMBASE,
PsycINFO, AMED and CINAHL databases were searched from inception until the first
week of March 2010; additionally, experts and study authors were contacted. Two
authors independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed
methodological quality. Eight studies (recruiting 5630 participants) met the
review inclusion criteria, reporting six instruments: the Back Disability Risk
Questionnaire (BDRQ); Occupational Role Questionnaire (ORQ); Obstacles to Return
to Work Questionnaire (ORTWQ); Psychosocial Aspects of Work Questionnaire (PAWQ);
Vermont Disability Prediction Questionnaire (VDPQ); and Modified Work Adaptation,
Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve. Limited psychometric testing had been
performed on the instruments, and solely by the original developers. None of the
instruments, in their current stage of development, can be recommended as Blue
Flags assessment instruments. The ORTWQ was the only instrument that showed
adequate psychometric properties but was not considered clinically feasible in
its present format. Future research should focus on further psychometric
development of the ORTWQ.
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Langue : ANGLAIS