Questionnaire test-retest reliability: outcome measure of a vocational rehabilitation programme

In a clinical follow-up case series study, the test-retest reliability of a n outcome measure questionnaire was tested. The study group consisted of 48 patients who had taken part in a vocational rehabilitation programme. Test -retest reliability of a questionnaire was evaluated with the reliability i ndex two years after entering the programme. It was found that the test-ret est reliability of demographic data was rather good, although the questions concerning basic and occupational training showed instability over time. T he answers concerning general health symptoms, mental working capacity and perceived changes in life during the past 12 months showed particularly hig h variability. The respondents' opinions on their general outlook of life s eemed rather stable. Opinions about the perceived benefits from the interve ntion were marginally stable. The respondents' opinions about the benefits perceived from the physicians' work were more stable than the opinions abou t the perceived help from the other members of the rehabilitative team. It was concluded that an outcome analysis questionnaire is a useful tool to do cument the respondents' general and present perception of life and their pr esent health situation as well as the rehabilitation process. The further d evelopment of generally applicable outcome measures for health promotion pr ogrammes will require unified, long-term efforts.