Table 1 Perspectives of theories and models on measuring general work participation

 Iwanaga et al. [43] 2019

Goldman [44] 2013,

Marfeo et al. [45] 2013,

Anner et al. [28] 2012,

Berglind & Gerner [46] 2002

Describe measuring (partial) disability.

Recommendations on disability evaluation which incorporated the ICF in the evaluation. Motivation and self-efficacy are important to include in disability evaluation as they are predictors of work participation.

 Kim & Rhee [47] 2018

Describe how policy changes impact transitions between employment states.

Policy against disability discrimination may positively impact job retention of the (partially) disabled workers and negatively impact the inflow to the employment market of (partially) disabled and unemployed individuals.

 Jetha et al. [48]

2016

Capture the complexity of work disability research.

System dynamics modelling should be applied to work participation research. Dynamic behaviours between individual, psychosocial, organizational and regulatory components need to be seen in terms of feedback loops rather than a linear process. However, this would be time consuming and complex.

 Combs & Heaton [49], 2016

Sandqvist & Henriksson [50] 2004

Provide conceptual analyses of work functioning and what is important to measure.

Work participation should be seen through a holistic lens with most important components closely related to the structure of ICF.

 Mehnert et al. [51] 2013

Identify which work outcomes are most important to measure for cancer survivors.

Based on existing frameworks, the following outcomes are important for cancer survivors: employment, return to work, work ability, work performance, job opportunities, income, work satisfaction, job promotion and training and sustainability in work retention.

 Momsen et al. [52] 2019

Operationalize ICF for vocational rehabilitation.

The ICF can be used to operationalize vocational rehabilitation. More research required to standardize the use of ICF.

 Sternberg & Bethge [53] 2018,

Mateen et al. [7] 2017

Review existing work outcome measures.

Evaluation of a broad range of instruments measuring work participation based on their psychometric properties. No final recommendations could be made.