Cross-cultural translation to French and psychometric evaluation of the self-administered version of the WOrk Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ)

Abstract

The WOrk Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) is a generic instrument to examine work-related functioning, based on the ICF core set for vocational rehabilitation (VR). Comprehensive identification of functioning problems is crucial for developing specific return-to-work strategies. We cross-culturally adapted WORQ into French and evaluated its psychometrics. We followed a dual-panel cross-cultural adaptation process to translate WORQ. A forward-translation into French was done by a bilingual panel including, two experts in questionnaire development, three bilingual experts, one VR-specialist and two of the developers. This first version of WORQ-French was then evaluated by two lay persons and three patients followed by a review by the panel. The resulting second version was pilot tested and cognitively tested. After a final evaluation, the panel finalized WORQ-French. In connection with the cross-cultural adaptation, psychometrics were evaluated including internal consistency (Cronbach's α), test-retest reliability (ICC 2,1 ), and construct validity (Pearson correlation). The validity of the WORQ sumscore was analyzed based on Rasch analysis. Usability was evaluated in ten patients for comprehension, completeness and questionnaire length. Basic psychometrics were tested in a convenient sample of 89 patients in VR with various musculoskeletal conditions. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.968) and test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.935) were high. WORQ correlated positively with HADS ( r = 0.564/0.570) and self-rated general functioning ( r = 0.662). The WORQ sumscore was confirmed based on a Rasch analysis performed in a sample of 221 patients in VR with musculoskeletal conditions. Usability was rated as “good” to “very good.” WORQ-French is a valid, reliable and easy to administer questionnaire with a valid sumscore to assess the concept of work-related functioning that can be used to identify functioning problems, plan interventions and measure and document change in the study population. Studies to evaluate its usability and psychometric characteristics in other populations and settings are ongoing.