Exploring the perceptions of how living with osteoarthritis affects employed people's work productivity

Ching, Angela; Prior, Yeliz

Abstract

Background
Working people with osteoarthritis (OA) can experience difficulties at work due to pain and activity limitation.

Objective
To explore the impact of biopsychosocial factors on work participation in employed people with OA.

Methods
An explorative, qualitative, semi-structured one-to-one telephone interview study. Employed people living with OA were recruited through an arthritis volunteer database and social media. Data was analysed using Thematic Analysis.

Findings
Participants (n = 15) included people with OA in any joints from mixture of careers. Themes were: (1) Effects of OA on work participation, (2) Impact of workplace support and accommodations on employment, and (3) Importance of clinical support and management.

Conclusion
Impact of OA on people's work productivity results in a spill over into their home lives. Work transitions and adaptations are not always available. Employers need to be educated to support employees to create a positive work environment and promote available workplace support.

Citation

Ching, A., & Prior, Y. (2023). Exploring the perceptions of how living with osteoarthritis affects employed people's work productivity. Musculoskeletal Care, 21(3), 683-693. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1739

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 25, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Feb 4, 2023
• Publication Date: Feb 4, 2023
• Deposit Date: Feb 6, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 6, 2023
• Journal: Musculoskeletal Care
• Print ISSN: 1478-2189
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-0681
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 683-693
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1739
• Keywords: Nursing (miscellaneous), Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Chiropractics, Rheumatology
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1739
• Additional Information: Funders : This study was funded as part of Versus Arthritis MRC UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (grant no. 20665).; Projects : Work Participation in Osteoarthritis; Grant Number: grant no. 20665