Psychometric properties of single-item measure of recovery expectations in rehabilitation research and practice

Abstract Purpose: The present research aims to evaluate the construct validity and test-retest reliability of a single-item measure of recovery expectations in individuals with low back pain due to an occupational injury. Methods: A single-item measure of recovery expectations (“What is the probability that you will return to work?”) was administered to 58 work-disabled individuals with low back pain. All participants were enrolled in a physical therapy program aimed at return to work and participated in a 2-hour single-session pain management course. At baseline, participants completed measures of demographics, recovery expectations and pain-related psychological variables (pain catastrophizing, perceived injustice, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms). Four weeks after the initial assessment, participants completed the same measures. Analyses examined the construct validity and test-retest reliability of a single-item measure of recovery expectations following the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). Results: Findings demonstrate high construct validity and high test-retest reliability. 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. Conclusions: A single-item measure demonstrated good psychometric properties for measuring recovery expectations in individuals with low back pain due to an occupational injury