Does the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire predict outcomes following a work-related compensable injury?

Abstract

The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the usefulness of the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (ÖMPQ) to predict return to work outcomes following a compensable musculoskeletal injury. Participants (N=196 injured workers, 66% male, 36% with back pain) were screened at 4 – 12 weeks, and followed up at 6 months, post-injury. Total scores on the ÖMPQ were able to differentiate between work status on both occasions, indicating the potential predictive validity of this instrument. This is the first study to evaluate the ÖMPQ in a compensable injury population, and although replication with a larger sample is required, the findings have significant relevance to the recommendation of routine screening for the early identification of injured workers at risk of long-term disability.