Body@Work

 

POPULAR PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project aims to improve functioning at work for workers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with RA are often limited in their ability to function at work. We aim to improve this by providing an intervention program, and compare this intervention program with regular care to determine its effectiveness. The intervention program consists of integrated care and a participatory workplace intervention. An occupational therapist will, together with the patient and his supervisor, develop an action plan for adaptations at the workplace. A clinical occupational physician will coordinate the care for the patient, and facilitate communication between the different caregivers involved.

 

PERIOD

2011 – 2015

 

FUNDING

Stichting Instituut GAK, TNO, VUmc

 

INVESTIGATORS

M. van Vilsteren MSc 1,4

Dr. C.R.L. Boot 1,4

Dr. D. van Schaardenburg 2

Dr. R. Steenbeek 3

Prof. dr. J.R. Anema 1,4

 

1Body@Work Research Center on Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam
2Department of Rheumatology, Reade, Amsterdam

3TNO Innovation for Life, Hoofddorp

4Department of Public and Occupational Health, The EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research (EMGO+), VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam

 

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Patients with RA are often limited in their ability to function at work.

 

The care patients with RA receive is separated into curative care (by a rheumatologist) and occupational care (by for example an occupational physician or therapist). Work is usually not discussed during consultations with the rheumatologists, and there will only be consultations with an occupational physician in case of prolonged sick leave.

 

OBJECTIVES

With this study, we aim to examine whether functioning at work can improve by an intervention program, consisting of integrated care and a participatory workplace intervention. A clinical occupational physician will coordinate patient care and facilitate communication between the different caregivers involved. Furthermore, an occupational therapist will, together with the patient and his supervisor, develop an action plan concerning adaptations at the workplace.

 

The (cost) effectiveness of the intervention program will be determined. A process evaluation will be carried out as well, to evaluate the process of implementation.

 

METHODS

This study is a randomized controlled trial. 142 Patients will be included who have a paid job for at least 8 hours a week. Patients will be recruited from Reade, the outpatient clinics of Reade, and the department of rheumatology of the VU University Medical Center. Patients will be randomized into either the intervention group or the control group. Measurements will take place at baseline and after 6 and 12 months by means of a self administered questionnaire. The primary outcome is hours lost from work due to presenteeism. Secondary outcomes are sick leave, quality of life, pain and fatigue.

 

RESULTS

No results are available yet. Inclusion of patients will start in September 2011 and end by March 2013. Data collection is expected to be completed by March 2014.

 

CONTACT

Email: m.vanvilsteren@vumc.nl;

Tel: 020 4446026