Papers by Marie-france Coutu
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Nov 22, 2023
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Jun 26, 2023
Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine, Sep 1, 2016
The Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire adapted for Work Disability (IPQR-WD) is an adaptati... more The Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire adapted for Work Disability (IPQR-WD) is an adaptation of Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised: the most used and most comprehensive tool for measuring illness perceptions. Evaluating representations is crucial, since it is a main determinant of return to work in cases of persistent pain due to musculoskeletal disorders. This study aim at facilitating systematic assessment of work disability representations by assessing the usability of the Web platform and the usefulness of automatic interpretation of the results. An exploratory and descriptive study was conducted. Web designers and researchers followed the principles of web surveys of Dillman and colleagues (2000). A convenience sample of individuals absent from work due to musculoskeletal pain (n=16) and their rehabilitation professional (n=8) were recruited. The socio-demographic profile of the participants, the friendliness of the platform and the usefulness of the interpretation of IPQR-WD (professionals only) were documented by pretested Web-based questionnaires. A total of 16 patients (5 men, 11 women; age ranges 22-62 years, variety of levels of education and familiarity with computers) were interviewed. Descriptive analyzes show that over 75% of patients (n=12) perceive the site attractive, airy, pleasant to navigate, organized, easy to complete and having an appropriate download speed. For professionals, all (n=8) indicated that the site is very user friendly. One professional said the site is moderately attractive. Seven professional indicated that the interpretation provided automatically is relevant, useful, related to their needs, easy to use and understand and they intend to use in their practice. The web used of the IPQR-WD is considered friendly and relevant by clients and rehabilitation professionals. The free automatic interpretation of results appears important to promote the use of the questionnaire in clinical setting, acting on the main barrier to the use of this new knowledge: lack of time.
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2011
Description. Le sentiment d'efficacité personnelle relié au travail est un déterminant du ret... more Description. Le sentiment d'efficacité personnelle relié au travail est un déterminant du retour au travail pour une clientèle présentant des troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS). À notre connaissance, l'Échelle de mesure du sentiment d'efficacité personnelle est le seul questionnaire qui est spécifique au travail, mais ses propriétés psychométriques sont actuellement peu documentées. But. Évaluer la cohérence interne et la structure factorielle de cette échelle de mesure. Méthodologie. Le questionnaire a été administré à 36 travailleurs absents du travail en lien avec un TMS en phase chronique de la douleur. Résultats. La cohérence interne est satisfaisante (alpha de Cronbach: 0,925). L'analyse factorielle révèle une structure unidimensionnelle (expliquant 65,5 % de la variance). Conséquences pour la pratique. Les résultats soutiennent l'utilisation du questionnaire en recherche et en clinique. Cependant, la triangulation avec d'autres observations demeure nécessaire pour augmenter la validité de l'évaluation du sentiment d'efficacité personnelle relié au travail.
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Oct 19, 2021
Purpose Rooted in a social exchange lens, this study aimed to explore the interactions between th... more Purpose Rooted in a social exchange lens, this study aimed to explore the interactions between the factors influencing stay at work after a period of disability due to an occupational injury. Methods Based on a descriptive interpretative research design, interviews with 15 participants (i.e., representatives of workers, workplaces, insurers, and the health care system) were conducted to gather their perspectives about stay at work. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis. Results Ten different factors interacting together and influencing stay at work were identified. These factors prevail either during stay at work or previously. They are either related to the person (personal resources, occupation outside of work), environment (accommodations, support, access to rehabilitation services) or interaction between the person and her/his environment (perceptions, leeway, communication and information), whether it concerns the workplace, health services or insurance. Conclusions This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge concerning two main themes: (1) the importance of considering social exchanges as factors of success, and (2) the importance of considering the stay at work within a larger process.
Journal of Cancer Survivorship, Mar 23, 2019
Purpose Worldwide healthcare systems continue to struggle to reduce the unmet needs of a growing ... more Purpose Worldwide healthcare systems continue to struggle to reduce the unmet needs of a growing population of breast cancer survivors (BCSs). The Cancer Survivor Profile-Breast Cancer (CSPro-BC) survey was developed to address BCS's specific needs. This study aims to produce a culturally adapted French version of the CSPro-BC. Methods The CSPro-BC (French) was developed through five steps including back translation, use of a multidisciplinary committee, and pretest with BCS (n = 22). Healthcare providers (HCP) (n = 7) from cancer and primary care settings were also interviewed to obtain perceptions of facilitators and barriers to utilization in daily practice. Results BCS were 40-69 years old (50%), ≥ 5 years post-diagnosis (45%), received chemotherapy alone or in combination (73%). Questionnaire instructions were perceived as clear, the number of questions (n = 73) acceptable, the questions non-intrusive and not complicated. Clarity of questions (min = 1; max = 7) ranged from 4 to 7 with a mean score of 5.9 out of 7. HCP perceived the CSPro-BC (French) as useful for improving communication with BCS. However, HCP stressed implementation concerns regarding competencies, BCS acceptability, and limited resources in the healthcare system to meet the identified concerns. Conclusions CSPro-BC (French) is a credible tool for assessment in Francophone nations. Our study provides an important perspective in the translation method, including both survivors and HCP perspectives. Further research is required to evaluate its psychometric qualities, sensitivity to change and its clinical signification. Implications for cancer survivors Access to assessment tools specific to French-speaking cancer survivors having a potential to improve support from HCP and self-management capacity for BCS.
Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation, 2014
Workplace absenteeism is still a curse for developed countries, and more systematic practices nee... more Workplace absenteeism is still a curse for developed countries, and more systematic practices need to be adopted to address this issue. To review the literature on best practices for managing work absences related to musculoskeletal or common mental disorders. A review was conducted by performing a search in bibliographic databases and on work-disability research institute websites. Recommendations regarding work-absence management and return-to-work practices were extracted from all the retained documents and organized within a chronological framework. In total, 17 documents were analyzed, leading to identification of common work-absence management and return-to-work practices, the importance of a worker support approach, and recommended roles and responsibilities for stakeholders. These practices were then integrated into a six-step process: (1) time off and recovery period; (2) initial contact with the worker; (3) evaluation of the worker and his job tasks; (4) development of a return-to-work plan with accommodations; (5) work resumption, and (6) follow-up of the return-to-work process. Based on this review, we constructed a comprehensive work-absence management and return-to-work process designed to assist organizations. Our results indicate that such a process must be included within a broader policy of health promotion and job retention. Adaptations will be required for implementation in the workplace.
Pain, Sep 26, 2022
The objective of this systematic review is to quantify the association between recovery expectati... more The objective of this systematic review is to quantify the association between recovery expectations and return-to-work outcomes in adults with musculoskeletal pain conditions. In addition, this review has the second objective to compare the predictive utility of single-item and multi-item recovery expectation scales on return-to-work outcomes. Relevant articles were selected from Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane, and manual searches. Studies that assessed recovery expectations as predictors of return-to-work outcomes in adults with musculoskeletal pain conditions were eligible. Data were extracted on study characteristics, recovery expectations, return-to-work outcomes, and the quantitative association between recovery expectations and return-to-work outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Odds ratios were pooled to examine the effects of recovery expectations on return-to-work outcomes. Chi-square analyses compared the predictive utility of single-item and multi-item recovery expectation scales on return-to-work outcomes. Thirty studies on a total of 28,741 individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions were included in this review. The odds of being work disabled at follow-up were twice as high in individuals with low recovery expectations (OR = 2.06 [95% CI 1.20-2.92] P < 0.001). Analyses also revealed no significant differences in the predictive value of validated and nonvalidated single-item measures of recovery expectations on work disability (χ2 = 1.68, P = 0.19). There is strong evidence that recovery expectations are associated with return-to-work outcomes. The results suggest that single-item measures of recovery expectations can validly be used to predict return-to-work outcomes in individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions.
Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation, Nov 9, 2020
BACKGROUND: Workers with persistent disabling low back pain (LBP) often encounter difficulty stay... more BACKGROUND: Workers with persistent disabling low back pain (LBP) often encounter difficulty staying at work. Selfmanagement (SM) programs can offer interesting avenues to help workers stay at work. OBJECTIVE: To establish the plausibility of a logic model operationalizing a SM program designed to help workers with persistent disabling LBP stay at work. METHODS: We used a qualitative design. A preliminary version of the logic model was developed based on the literature and McLaughlin et al.'s framework for logic models. Clinicians in work rehabilitation completed an online survey on the plausibility of the logic model and proposed modifications, which were discussed in a focus group. Thematic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Participants (n = 11) found the model plausible, contingent upon a few modifications. They raised the importance of making more explicit the margin of maneuver or "job leeway" for a worker who is trying to stay at work and suggested emphasizing a capability approach. Enhancing the workers' perceived self-efficacy and communication skills were deemed essential tasks of the model. CONCLUSION: A plausible logic model for a SM program designed for workers with disabling LBP stay at work was developed. The next step will be to assess its acceptability with potential users.
Advances in Physiotherapy, Jun 5, 2019
Purpose: Lack of adherence to home exercise programmes is hypothesised to partially explain the m... more Purpose: Lack of adherence to home exercise programmes is hypothesised to partially explain the modest clinical effects seen in patients with low back pain. This study explored the association between the main biopsychosocial factors and adherence using a theory-driven approach including the fear-avoidance model, the common-sense model and the working alliance concept. Methods: A repeated measures design was used. During and after an eight-week clinical exercise programme, 48 participants with non-acute and disabling low back pain followed a home exercise programme. Questionnaires assessed home exercise adherence and biopsychosocial factors at baseline, after the eight-week clinical programme and at the six-month follow-up. Results: The regression model explained 50% of adherence (ICC ¼ 0.50, p < .001) and the highest association was with the global rating of change. In addition, two secondary factors from the common-sense model, illness perceptions and outcome expectations, explained 58% of the global rating of change. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of monitoring individuals/patients' perceptions of change as a significant factor contributing to adherence. The common-sense model might be helpful in this process.
Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation, 2010
Previous studies have found illness representations to be associated with the degree to which pat... more Previous studies have found illness representations to be associated with the degree to which patients adopt health behaviours. Surprisingly, pain representations, especially those in a work rehabilitation context, have rarely been explored. To conduct a thorough investigation of the pain representations held by workers who were on sick leave due to persistent musculoskeletal pain during the process of an intensive work rehabilitation program. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants (male, female), three times during the program and one month after discharge. Data analysis was based on a narrative approach. Throughout the process, pain representation was an indicator of the type of action the participants were ready to take to control the immediate or possible consequences of their pain. Using the context of a work rehabilitation trajectory we identified the differential impact of reconstruction or status quo in pain representations that eventually led to a return to work, or not. This study highlights the importance of identifying and acknowledging workers&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; pain representations in facilitating their return to work.
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Jun 13, 2007
Every year many workers are excluded from work because of a work disability attributable to a mus... more Every year many workers are excluded from work because of a work disability attributable to a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Factors associated with the development and persistence of the work disability can be related to the worker, work environment, compensation policies, healthcare system and insurance system. Workers&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; understanding/representations of their disability are associated with coping behaviors aimed at helping them adapt to or solve their health problem. A representation is a complex, organized entity incorporating thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes regarding a particular subject. Representations have been studied in anthropology, sociology and psychology since the 1960s, but often in a compartmentalized way. These representations provide an important key to understanding what motivates workers during rehabilitation and the return-to-work process. To build upon disciplinary knowledge and better understand workers&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; efforts to cope with their persistent disability, this article therefore aims to pool the different knowledge available on the illness representation concept, from the fields of anthropology, sociology and psychology in order to gain a better understanding of its application in the MSD context. An electronic literature search (French, English) from 1960 on was conducted in medical, paramedical and social science databases (MedLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, etc.) using predetermined key words. After screening abstracts based on a set of criteria, content analysis was performed on the 131 articles retained. The theoretical models and approaches can be divided into three categories: (1) personal experience; (2) interactionist; and (3) sociocultural. The models found in sociology and anthropology are mainly descriptive and developed in a medical context, and only rarely in an occupational health context. However, these models could add elements to psychosocial models that are more dynamic and oriented toward understanding the reasons behind specific behaviors. Bridging the gap between these disciplines will help us achieve a new level of knowledge that will, by taking social interactions into account, enhance understanding of workers&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; representations, and the behaviors they adopt to manage their MSD-related disability.
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, Dec 1, 2014
The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) among individuals active in the workforce will increas... more The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) among individuals active in the workforce will increase considerably in the next generation and a significant percentage of these individuals are expected to experience work disability because of this disease. The aim of this review was to summarize the existing knowledge on the following: (a) work disability risk factors; (b) reliable and valid work disability assessment tools; and (c) efficient interventions to reduce work disability in individuals with knee OA. An electronic document search using key words and MeSH terms was performed with various databases. Two independent investigators were tasked with the screening of articles and quality assessment. A critical appraisal of what is known was performed and recommendations for clinical practice and future research were formulated. The database search yielded 61 references. One article on risk factors, three related to assessment tools, and two on interventions were retained. Age and previous work absence episodes were found to be risk factors of workplace disability. The Work Limitation Questionnaire, the Work Instability Scale for Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the Workplace Activity Limitations Scale were psychometrically sound for the population studied. Education-based interventions seem to be more effective than conventional interventions in helping individuals with knee OA return to work faster, reduce the number of days absent from work, and improve their overall well-being. This review is the first to summarize the evidence on work disability risk factors, assessment tools, and interventions for this growing population and to show a critical gap in the existing knowledge.
Disability and Rehabilitation, Mar 31, 2020
les innovations en sant e (CR-CSIS), Universit e de Sherbrooke-Centre d'action en pr evention et ... more les innovations en sant e (CR-CSIS), Universit e de Sherbrooke-Centre d'action en pr evention et r eadaptation de l'incapacit e au travail (CAPRIT),
Disability and Rehabilitation, Nov 12, 2017
Collective decision-making by stakeholders appears important to return-to-work success, yet few s... more Collective decision-making by stakeholders appears important to return-to-work success, yet few studies have explored the processes involved. This study aims to explore the influence of decision-making on return-to-work for workers with musculoskeletal or common mental disorders. This study is a secondary analysis using data from three earlier multiple-case studies that documented decision-making during similar and comparable work rehabilitation programs. Individual interviews were conducted at the end of the program with stakeholders, namely, the disabled workers and representatives of health care professionals, employers, unions and insurers. Verbatims were analysed inductively. The 28 decision-making processes (cases) led to 115 different decisions-making instances and included the following components: subjects of the decisions, stakeholders&amp;amp;#39; concerns and powers, and types of decision-making. No differences were found in decision-making processes relative to the workers&amp;amp;#39; diagnoses or return-to-work status. However, overall analysis of decision-making revealed that stakeholder agreement on a return-to-work goal and acceptance of an intervention plan in which the task demands aligned with the worker&amp;amp;#39;s capacities were essential for return-to-work success. These results support the possibility of return-to-work success despite conflictual decision-making processes. In addition to facilitating consensual decisions, future studies should be aimed at facilitating negotiated decisions. Implications for rehabilitation Facilitating decision-making, with the aim of obtaining agreement from all stakeholders on a return-to-work goal and their acceptance of an intervention plan that respects the worker&amp;amp;#39;s capacities, is important for return-to-work success. Rehabilitation professionals should constantly be on the lookout for potential conflicts, which may either complicate the reach of an agreement between the stakeholders or constrain return-to-work possibilities. Rehabilitation professionals should also be constantly watching for workers&amp;amp;#39; and employers&amp;amp;#39; return-to-work concerns, as they may change during work rehabilitation, potentially challenging a reached agreement.
Disability and Rehabilitation, Aug 14, 2012
the vividness of visual Imagery Questionnaire (vvIQ; Marks, 1973) is the questionnaire most exten... more the vividness of visual Imagery Questionnaire (vvIQ; Marks, 1973) is the questionnaire most extensively used to measure imagery vividness, but two newer versions have been developed. In this study, the reliability and construct validity of these two measures were assessed: the vividness of visual Imagery Questionnaire-2 (vvIQ-2) and the vividness of visual Imagery Questionnaire-revised version (vvIQ-rv). a total of 206 undergraduate psychology students completed both questionnaires, and to assess construct validity, they also completed the Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal Questionnaire (OSIVQ), Betts' Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery (Betts' QMI), and the Measure of Ability to Form Spatial Mental Imagery (MaSMI). Internal consistency reliability for both was high, with the VVIQ-RV having a Cronbach's alpha of .96, and the VVIQ-2 an alpha of .91. the construct validity of the vvIQ-rv and the vvIQ-2 was supported by the high correlations they had with the other three measures of imagery, which were all close to .50, and the very small correlations (.06-.07) they had with the verbal scale of the OSIvQ, indicating that they validly measured the imagery construct. thus, the findings support the two versions as equally valid psychometric instruments for measuring image vividness.
Archives Des Maladies Professionnelles Et De L Environnement, Jun 1, 2012
Ce projet original commun service de santé au travail (SST)-Comité de pilotage stress avec le CNO... more Ce projet original commun service de santé au travail (SST)-Comité de pilotage stress avec le CNOSF (Comité national olympique) complète un programme « résilience » offrant des armes pour résister mieux aux facteurs de stress personnels ou professionnels. En réponse * Auteur correspondant.
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, Dec 3, 2019
The prolonged disability associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain represents an enormous health... more The prolonged disability associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain represents an enormous health burden, for individuals as well as society. Promoting pain and disability management for patients with persistent MSK-related conditions can be very challenging for rehabilitation professionals. These often-complex conditions require the adoption of a biopsychosocial perspective in order to assess and address a vast array of potential factors affecting the patient. Fortunately, a self-management (SM) approach has been deemed effective in enhancing patients' control over their symptoms and disabilities. However, given the many different existing SM approaches, rehabilitation professionals would benefit from a clearer definition of SM and a better understanding of the basics of a SM program in order to facilitate their patients' development of SM skills, as this can lead to better outcomes. This narrative review explores the various components of an intervention program intended to facilitate patients' SM of their symptoms and disabilities resulting from a persistent MSK condition. It does so by drawing on a body of published work on pain and disability management, conceptual frameworks underlying SM programs, essential skills associated with optimal SM, and examples from the persistent low back pain (LBP) literature.
Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation, Sep 13, 2017
BACKGROUND: The Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ) was developed to assess workers' perce... more BACKGROUND: The Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ) was developed to assess workers' perceived ability to perform job demands and is used to monitor presenteeism. Still few studies on its validity can be found in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the items and factorial composition of the Canadian French version of the WRFQ (WRFQ-CF). METHODS: Two measurement approaches were used to test the WRFQ-CF: Classical Test Theory (CTT) and non-parametric Item Response Theory (IRT). RESULTS: A total of 352 completed questionnaires were analyzed. A four-factor and three-factor model models were tested and shown respectively good fit with 14 items (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.06, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.04, Bentler Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.98) and with 17 items (RMSEA = 0.059, SRMR = 0.048, CFI = 0.98). Using IRT, 13 problematic items were identified, of which 9 were common with CTT. CONCLUSIONS: This study tested different models with fewer problematic items found in a three-factor model. Using a non-parametric IRT and CTT for item purification gave complementary results. IRT is still scarcely used and can be an interesting alternative method to enhance the quality of a measurement instrument. More studies are needed on the WRFQ-CF to refine its items and factorial composition.
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Jan 19, 2019
Purpose The gradual return to work (GRTW) of injured workers poses numerous challenges for workpl... more Purpose The gradual return to work (GRTW) of injured workers poses numerous challenges for workplaces. The aim of this study was to provide employers with an adapted tool to support them in managing GRTWs following a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), by adapting the Guide for estimation of margin of manoeuvre (Durand et al. in 7th international scientific conference on prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, 2010) and then evaluating the acceptability of the adapted version. Methods A mixed methods design was used. Content experts were surveyed about the content and form of a first version of the adapted tool. Proposed modifications were then discussed in a group meeting until consensus was reached on the changes to be made. The acceptability of the new version was determined by conducting semi-structured interviews of potential users. A thematic analysis of the verbatim transcript was performed. Results Nine experts reached a consensus on 20 modifications, which yielded a tool comprising an instruction guide and a planning worksheet. The eight companies consulted found the tool acceptable, useful, and pertinent, but also identified a few changes to be made. Conclusion The use of original methods made it possible to adapt the content of the tool while taking evidence-based data and user needs into account, all of which contributed to its acceptance. The tool will support employers and standardize management of GRTWs following MSD-related sick leaves. Possible avenues for future research emerged from this study: evaluate the acceptability of new formats and a transdiagnostic version of the tool, and consult workers.
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Papers by Marie-france Coutu