WORK-ON Vocational Rehabilitation for People with Inflammatory Arthritis

Launched by THE DANISH CENTER FOR EXPERTISE IN RHEUMATOLOGY · Mar 1, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The WORK-ON trial is studying a new program designed to help people with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis, improve their ability to work. Many individuals with these conditions struggle to maintain their jobs, especially in the early years after being diagnosed, which can lead to job loss and difficulties in finding new work. The WORK-ON program includes support from an occupational therapist, group sessions with others facing similar challenges, and individual sessions with healthcare professionals. The goal is to see if this program can help participants work better compared to a control group that receives standard care.

To be eligible, participants need to be between 18 and 65 years old, diagnosed with one of the mentioned types of arthritis, and currently working or studying. They should also be able to read and understand Danish and feel unsure about their ability to continue their job in the next two years due to their health. Participants in the trial will be randomly assigned to either the WORK-ON program or the usual care group. Throughout the study, they will complete surveys to track their work ability and overall well-being over the course of 30 months. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it offers a valuable opportunity to test a program that could make a difference in the lives of those affected by inflammatory arthritis.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 18-65 years.
• • Diagnosed with RA, PsA or axSpA by a rheumatologist.
• • Undertakes paid work (full- or part-time work or studying).
• • Able to read and understand Danish.
• • Answers 'unlikely' or 'not certain' to question #6 from the WAI questionnaire: 'Do you believe, according to your present state of health, that you will be able to do your current job two years from now?' (36).
• • Willing to participate in an RCT of the modified WORK-ON VR.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Planned or present adjustments of the pharmacological anti-rheumatic treatment (DMARDs, glucocorticoid) within the last three months.
• • Presence of morbidities other than IA that may explain reduced work ability.
• • Is under examination for comorbidities that influence work ability.
• • Major surgery was conducted within the past six months, or a surgery has been planned.
• • Is unable to understand or speak Danish at a sufficient level to participate.
• • Has cognitive or psychological impairments that may affect participation.
• • Planned or ongoing participation in another rehabilitation program (apart from physiotherapy).
• • Has participated in the WORK-ON feasibility study.
• • Retirement application process is ongoing or plans to retire within the next five years.
• • Has taken long-term sick leave (\>4 weeks).