Identification of Severe Work-Related Problems Using the SIMBO Screening. A Synopsis of Four Cohort Studies

Purpose The aim of this paper is to summarise the evidence of the diagnostic accuracy of the screening instrument SIMBO in the German rehabilitation system. Materials and Methods The data of 4 cohort studies were integrated. In all these studies the SIMBO was measured at admission of the inpatient rehabilitation. The outcome was defined as the occurrence of problems in the return-to-work (RTW) process 3 months after rehabilitation. All results were weighted regarding gender and diagnosis group for the whole German rehabilitation population in 2015. Results Nine diagnosis groups were integrated (n = 2422). Of them 35% (32-39%) reported RTW problems after rehabilitation. These persons had a mean SIMBO score of 48 points, which was 35 points higher than for persons without RTW problems. Using a threshold of 20 points for the SIMBO score, 89% (85-93%) of all persons with RTW problems were detected correctly. Regarding the disease groups different optimal thresholds were determined. Conclusions Up to now, this is the strongest evidence regarding the diagnostic accuracy of a screening instrument to detect RTW problems after rehabilitation. Based on this the SIMBO can be recommended as a screening instrument in the German rehabilitation context.