Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2024, 15(3):1187-1196 | DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2024.15.0017

Assessment of work ability with the Work Ability Index (WAI) in a nursing population: a literature review

Martina Smrekar1, Boris Ilić1, Slađana Režić1,2, Snježana Čukljek1
1 Department of Nursing, University of Applied Health Sciences Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
2 Department for Health Care Quality Assurance and Improvement, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Aim: The present research aimed to provide a systematic analysis of the work ability (WA) of nurses assessed through the Work Ability Index (WAI) with a focus on factors influencing WA in the studied population.

Design: A systematic literature review.

Methods: In January 2024, a literature search was performed using Medline / PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, in order to identify studies focused on assessment of WA with the WAI among nurses. Databases were searched using ‘work ability index’ and ‘nurse’ as key terms. Articles were selected according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Three hundred twenty-two studies were identified in the initial search (230 studies indexed by Medline / PubMed and 92 by ScienceDirect). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 16 studies were included in the systematic review. The results revealed common factors that affect WA among nurses. These factors are grouped as follows: age, gender, marital status, education, years of work, shift work, and diagnosed diseases.

Conclusion:  Assessing the WA of nurses with the WAI provides a comprehensive and structured approach to understanding their capacity to meet the demands of their profession while considering various dimensions of health and work-related factors.

Keywords: nurses, WAI, work ability, Work Ability Index

Received: March 26, 2024; Revised: August 7, 2024; Accepted: August 26, 2024; Published: September 10, 2024  Show citation

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Smrekar M, Ilić B, Režić S, Čukljek S. Assessment of work ability with the Work Ability Index (WAI) in a nursing population: a literature review. Central European Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2024;15(3):1187-1196. doi: 10.15452/cejnm.2024.15.0017.
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