A Systematic Search and Review of Questionnaires Measuring Individual psychosocial Factors Predicting Return to Work After Musculoskeletal and Common Mental Disorders.

The review did not perform a meta-analysis of effect sizes, relying instead on a 'best-evidence synthesis' which counts significant vs. non-significant findings. This method does not quantify the strength of the prediction. Only prospective cohort studies were included, which excluded cross-sectional data where many psychosocial factors are studied. Many of the identified tools were single-item questions that had not undergone rigorous psychometric validation (such as test-retest reliability). The review focused only on individual psychosocial factors, excluding organizational or workplace factors which also influence RTW.

The paper notes 'Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't' in the publication types, but no specific conflicts of interest or funding sources are declared in the provided text.

Do not assume that a high score on a work ability questionnaire will accurately predict return to work for a patient with depression or anxiety. The review found work ability to be only a limited predictor for common mental disorders, whereas self-efficacy remained a strong predictor.