Content validity of the Demand and Ability Protocol – A dialogue tool involving stakeholders in exploring demands and abilities at work

Abstract

Background:

The ICF-based Demand and Ability Protocol (DAP) is a dialogue tool to be used when assessing the balance between an employee's functional ability and the demands of their work and as a supportive measure for discussing work ability, workplace adaptations and return to work. The DAP has been used in Sweden since the twenty-first century, however revision nor content validity has not yet been evaluated.

Objective:

To update and revise the Demand and Ability Protocol and to assess the content validity of the dialogue tool.

Methods:

A qualitative design was used involving a multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 7) and a group of experienced DAP-users (n = 13) who participated in think-aloud interviews. Data were analyzed with thematic analysis.

Results:

Several significant changes were made to the domains to enhance the clarity and conciseness of the DAP. Some changes in formulations were identified and changed, even though the questions were mostly perceived as clear and relevant. Overall, the DAP can be considered as a dialogue tool with good content validity.

Conclusion:

The revision and validation process of the DAP have clarified the theoretical concepts and their link to the ICF, establishing a strong basis for the dialogue tool's content.