Occupational therapists’ views of a structured interview to identify and prioritise the work problems of people with rheumatoid arthritis

Prior, Y; Bodell, SJ; Amanna, A; Hammond, A

Abstract

Objective: The Work Experience Survey-Rheumatoid Conditions (WES-RC) is a structured interview identifying work barriers of people with arthritis. Developed in the USA, it takes about 45 minutes. We are using it in work rehabilitation for inflammatory arthritis feasibility study. We therefore explored participating occupational therapists’ (OTs) views about conducting the WES-RC.
Materials-Methods: Nine OTs from 5 Rheumatology out-patient departments were trained in WES-RC use in two case studies, role-playing one interview and then completing it with 2-3 patients each. Semi-structured interviews with OTs were conducted, recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed by three researchers to maximise validity.
Results: The main themes emerging were: the WES-RC was very effective for identifying, prioritising and helping solve patients’ work problems; the lack of previous experience using any structured assessments; initial difficulty conducting these structured interviews as a result; and concerns about the feasibility of a lengthy interview in practice, as most were taking up to 1.5 hours. Most OTs considered the WES-RC an effective tool to identify and help solve the work problems of employed people with RA. However, lack of experience conducting structured interviews meant it was initially difficult to efficiently use it.
Conclusion: The WES-RC is a good choice of work assessment which can be implemented in practice. Rheumatology OTs need more training to increase their confidence and efficiency in its use. Our training programme needs increased practice and feedback to ensure the WES-RC is completed in under an hour, including identifying priorities and beginning treatment planning.

Citation

Prior, Y., Bodell, S., Amanna, A., & Hammond, A. (2013). Occupational therapists’ views of a structured interview to identify and prioritise the work problems of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Turkish journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 59(Suppl2), 66-66

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Feb 17, 2015
• Journal: Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 2587-0823
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 59
• Issue: Suppl2
• Pages: 66-66
• Publisher URL: http://www.ftrdergisi.com/eng/Anasayfa
• Additional Information: Projects : Work Rehabilitation in Inflammatory Arthritis - Effectiveness and cost effectiveness of an occupational therapy (OT) job retention intervention: a pilot randomised controlled trial