Interviews to help people with rheumatic disease patients back to work

A new interview tool to help people with rheumatic diseases remain in work has been developed by US researchers.

The system, which consists of set of questions, was designed by Dr Saralynn Allaire and Dr Julie Keysor at the Boston University School of Medicine.

They reviewed data gathered from previous studies into the barriers faced by people with rheumatic diseases at work.

On the basis of their analysis, they developed the Work Experience Survey-Rheumatic Conditions (WES-RC), which "identifies barriers and facilitates the formation of solutions for barriers".

The initial version of the tool was reviewed by ten physical and occupational therapists, who then provided the researchers with qualitative information on the tool and the relevance to therapists.

"Using this data, the WES-RC was revised. The therapists then administered the WES-RC to 20 patients. Quantitative data, qualitative data, and results of the administrative experience were collected from therapists after each administration," the researchers wrote.

Results of the pilots revealed that 80 per cent of the therapists were satisfied with the tool and that they felt that the system made it easy for barriers to be identified.

"The WES-RC appears to be feasible for rheumatology patients and for use by physical and occupational therapists. Further study is needed to enhance effective solution formation," Dr Allaire and Dr Keysor concluded.

Rheumatic diseases can vary in intensity depending on the type and duration of the condition, which can affect their work life.

A spokeswoman for the Arthritis Research Campaign said that up to four out of every ten working people with rheumatoid arthritis lose their jobs within five years and one in seven give up work within one year of diagnosis. The charity has a leaflet on work and arthritis, available on its website.



© Adfero Ltd

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