BACKGROUND: Functional assessments are requested in the follow-up of sick-listed persons and for disability benefit decisions. We describe the development of the Norwegian Functional Scale that may assist health providers in getting an insight into patients' self-evaluated functioning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An expert panel developed a 40-item functional scale to be completed by sick-listed persons. The scale was based on the WHO Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). In April 2001 the scale, SF-36, and COOP/WONCA charts were tested on 798 persons who had been sick-listed for six weeks. Factor analysis was used to group single items into functional dimensions. Correlation analysis was applied for validity testing against the established instruments. RESULTS: 48% filled in the questionnaire. The factor analysis confirmed four physical dimensions of functioning (walking/standing, holding/handling, lifting/carrying and sitting), and three mental (coping, communicating and senses). The scale correlated significantly with corresponding dimensions in SF-36, COOP/WONCA and a question on ability to go back to work. INTERPRETATION: The Norwegian Functional Scale showed considerably reduced functioning in sick-listed persons. The scale appears to be valid.
BACKGROUND: Functional assessments are requested in the follow-up of sick-listed persons and for disability benefit decisions. We describe the development of the Norwegian Functional Scale that may assist health providers in getting an insight into patients' self-evaluated functioning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An expert panel developed a 40-item functional scale to be completed by sick-listed persons. The scale was based on the WHO Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). In April 2001 the scale, SF-36, and COOP/WONCA charts were tested on 798 persons who had been sick-listed for six weeks. Factor analysis was used to group single items into functional dimensions. Correlation analysis was applied for validity testing against the established instruments. RESULTS: 48% filled in the questionnaire. The factor analysis confirmed four physical dimensions of functioning (walking/standing, holding/handling, lifting/carrying and sitting), and three mental (coping, communicating and senses). The scale correlated significantly with corresponding dimensions in SF-36, COOP/WONCA and a question on ability to go back to work. INTERPRETATION: The Norwegian Functional Scale showed considerably reduced functioning in sick-listed persons. The scale appears to be valid.
Authors: Jake P J Broersen; Henny P G Mulders; Antonius J M Schellart; Allard J van der Beek Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-02-14 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Roland Morgell; Lars G Backlund; Britt Arrelöv; Lars-Erik Strender; Gunnar H Nilsson Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-11-11 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Jake Pj Broersen; Henny Pg Mulders; Antonius Jm Schellart; Allard J van der Beek Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-03-06 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Nina Østerås; Pål Gulbrandsen; Andrew Garratt; Jūratë Saltytë Benth; Fredrik A Dahl; Bård Natvig; Søren Brage Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2008-02-15 Impact factor: 3.186