Reliability and validity of a single-item measure of recovery expectations in rehabilitation research and practice

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study is to investigate the reliability and validity of a single-item measure of recovery expectations in the context of work disability. Methods Two independent samples of individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions were used to evaluate the reliability and validity of a single-item measure of recovery expectations (“How likely is it that you will return to work?”). Sample 1 consisted of 109 individuals with work-related musculoskeletal injuries and Sample 2 consisted of 152 individuals with whiplash injury. Participants completed measures of demographics, recovery expectations and pain-related psychological variables (depressive symptoms, catastrophizing, fear of movement and perceptions of injustice). At 1-year follow-up, participants reported their work status. Analyses examined the test-retest reliability, parallel-form reliability, construct validity and predictive validity of a single-item measure of recovery expectations on work status at 1-year follow-up. Conclusion Single-item measures of recovery expectations are a reliable and valid tool to predict work disability at 1-year follow-up in individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions. This study represents a step towards practice-based evidence by providing a brief, low burden, low-cost measure of recovery expectations that can be seamlessly integrated into clinical workflow and research protocols.