Development of a Modified Work Ability Index for Nurses

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the components of the work ability index among registered nurses in the inpatient departments of a tertiary university hospital in Southern Thailand. The Work Ability Index was modified from the original version by Orawan et al.
Material and Methods: Data were collected from 374 nurses. Participants were recruited using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using a psychosocial risk questionnaire, a job satisfaction questionnaire, and the work ability index questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis with oblique rotation (Oblimin) was employed to extract and identify components.
Results: Five components of the work ability index for nurses in the inpatient department, accounting for 46% of the variance, were described by 47 variables. These components are as follows: Component 1, Organizational Management and Support, described by 27 indicators, explaining 21% of the variance; Component 2, Workload and Pressure, described by 7 indicators, explaining 7% of the variance; Component 3, Peer Support, described by 4 indicators, explaining 6% of the variance; Component 4, Management and Decision-Making, described by 5 indicators, explaining 6% of the variance; and, Component 5, Supervisor Support, described by 4 indicators, explaining 6% of the variance.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the developed tool can be applied to assess work ability among nurses in the Thai context. Deficiencies in work ability may serve as early warning signals for implementing the appropriate interventions to reduce the risk of adverse work outcomes and potential turnover.