| Summary: | Subjective functional capacity is of prognostic value regarding work outcomes. The Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) and the
Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy (RTW-SE) questionnaire are validated tools to measure dimensions of subjective functional
capacity and they can be used in rehabilitation planning. The aim of our study was to assess the SDS and RTW-SE measures
in predicting the working status after one year of follow-up among psychiatric patients undergoing assessment of work ability.
This cohort study involved 104 consenting patients with multifactorial disabilities referred for a thorough psychiatric
examination concerning work ability. At the one-year follow-up, 93 patients were reached for a telephone interview.
SDS and RTW-SE measures both independently predicted better work outcomes after one year. Having employment at
baseline and being off from work for less than 6 months were associated with better work outcomes. Higher education and
being off from work for less than 6 months were associated with more positive estimations of one’s work capacity.
Considering the predictive value for work status, both the SDS and the RTW-SE questionnaires are usable tools for the
evaluation of working capacity, opening dialogue regarding the subjective and psychosocial aspects affecting psychiatric
rehabilitation and recovery.
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