For both workers’ compensation treatment and evaluation, Injured Workers are frequently asked to fill out surveys concerning their medical conditions. The Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) is one of those surveys.
This article will discuss how and why such scales are used within the workers’ compensation system, what is the Quebec Back Pain disability Scale, what questions are asked within the scale, how the scale is scored? and what it can mean to a workers’ compensation claim.
What is the QBPDS?
This questionnaire is one that addresses back pain. It inquires as to the daily activities that impacted by Back Pain.
Why are Surveys and Scales Used?
Surveys and Scales which ask the Injured Worker to self-report on their conditions are helpful to both treating doctors and evaluators. First, they are a cheap quick method of getting some insight into the Injured Worker’s complaints. Second, they can give the doctor or evaluator a sense of how serious the worker perceives their injury. Third, they can give some insight as to whether someone is exaggerating with respect to the complaints. Fourth, if the same scale is administered over time, it can reveal some insight as to the course of the injured Worker’s condition. Repeated testing may show whether the Injured Worker sees their pain improving, staying the same, or getting worse.
What are the QBPDS Questions Asked?
There are twenty questions asked within the inventory. The questions are about getting out of bed, sleeping through the night, turning over in bed, riding in a car, standing up for 20-30 minutes, sitting in a chair for several hours, climbing one slight of stairs, walking a few blocks, walking several kilometers, reaching up to high shelves, throwing a ball, running one block, taking food out of the refrigerator, making your bed, putting socks or pantyhose on, bending over to clean the bathtub, moving a chair, pulling or pushing heavy doors, carrying two bags or groceries, and lifting and carrying a heavy suit case.
Note: The questions are interesting in that they include activities that an individual may rarely or never participate in. For example, there are some people who do not throw balls or handle suit cases.
How Are the Responses Scored?
There are five responses that can be made. They are not difficult at all, minimally difficult, somewhat difficult, fairly difficult, very difficult, and unable to do. They are scored from 0-5.
Note: The responses address ability to perform activities as opposed to the individual’s pain experience.
What Do the Scores Mean?
A higher score represents a greater level of perceived functional disability. A lower score represents a lower level of perceived functional disability.
Is The QBPDS Helpful for Treating Evaluators and Physicians With Respect to Permanent Disability Assignment?
In California Workers’ Compensation Law, Activities of Daily Living are a basis for making impairment assessments. Impairment assessments render a Whole Person Impairment which then translates into a Permanent Disability Percentage. The QBPDS can be helpful to an evaluator on their assessment. The Activities of Daily Living based upon the AMA Guides 5th Edition are Self-care: urinating, defecating, brushing teeth, personal hygiene combing hair, bathing, dressing oneself, and eating, Communication: writing, typing, seeing, hearing, and speaking, Physical activity: standing, sitting, reclining, walking, and climbing stairs, Sensory Function: hearing, seeing, tactile feeling, tasting, smelling, Nonspecialized Hand Activities: grasping, lifting, tactile discrimination, Travel: riding, driving, flying, Sexual Function: orgasm, ejaculation, lubrication, erection, and Sleep: restful and nocturnal sleep pattern.
The QBPDS does not explore self-care and sexual function. Therefore, it is not fully comprehensive to render an ADL assessment.
As an Injured Worker, What Should I Do When I Fill Out These Scales?
When fill out these scales, try to be accurate as possible. Sometimes, I personally roll my eyes when I see scales in which every answer is the highest.
What if I Need Advice?
If you would like a free consultation regarding workers’ compensation, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. We have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their workers’ compensation cases for 27 years. Contact us today for more information.