Assessing Functional Limitations in Workers with a Common Mental Disorder or a Musculoskeletal Disorder: A Scoping Review of Questionnaires.

Purpose: Approximately, 80% of sick leave involve workers dealing with a common mental disorder (CMD) or a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Upon returning to work (RTW), these workers may encounter challenges, including functional limitations at work. However, assessing these limitations is complex. This study aims to map existing questionnaires that evaluate functional limitations in individuals with CMD or MSD.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the methods of the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Scoping Reviews Methodology Group, utilizing five databases: ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Cochrane, and PsycNET. Articles were included if they presented a questionnaire evaluating functional limitations or related concepts in individuals with CMD or MSD.

Results: A total of 541 articles were identified, with 6 articles selected after the screening process. The most frequently assessed dimensions in the selected questionnaires were physical (in 5 tools) and cognitive (in 3 tools). A thematic analysis was performed to develop a unified classification of dimensions and identify various types of functional limitations, addressing the inconsistent terminology across the questionnaires.

Conclusion: Physical limitations seem to be more objective and easier to assess than psychological limitations. Future research should focus on psychological limitations to enhance understanding among healthcare professionals and individuals with CMD or MSD.