# Criterion-Related Validity and Reliability of a Measurement Tool for Medical Doctors’ Work-Related Quality of Life in Japan

## TL;DR

This study confirms the validity and reliability of a questionnaire measuring Japanese doctors' work-related quality of life.

## Contribution

The study validates a revised questionnaire (WQMD-9) for assessing doctors' work-related quality of life in Japan.

## Key findings

- The WQMD-9 questionnaire showed a strong correlation (0.7891) with a visual analogue scale, supporting its validity.
- The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s α of 0.87.
- The WQMD-9 consists of nine dimensions and can be scored using a simple total scoring approach.

## Abstract

Objective: This confirmatory survey aimed to verify the criterion-related validity and reliability of the final version of the Medical Doctors’ Work-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (WQMD-9), following partial revision of its content. This study also explored the questionnaire’s structure and scoring methods. Method: From June to July 2022, the WQMD-9 was administered to 98 MDs selected to match the statistical distribution of MDs in Japan. Criterion-related validity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) as the reference standard, and reliability was examined using inter-dimension correlations and Cronbach’s α. Results: The correlation coefficient between the VAS score and the simple sum of WQMD-9 dimensions scores was 0.7891, supporting criterion-related validity. Cronbach’s α was 0.87, indicating acceptable reliability. Conclusions: The profile-type WQMD-9 consists of nine dimensions—“Workload,” “Working time,” “Collaboration,” “Clinical practice,” “Working conditions,” “Working environment,” “Feelings of fatigue,” “Work-life balance,” and “Career”—with five levels. In the confirmatory survey population, the WQMD-9 demonstrated criterion-related validity and reliability, suggesting that it can be utilized with simple total scoring approach.