Article

In this manuscript, we evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention
programme consisting of integrated care and a participatory workplace
intervention on supervisor support, work instability and
at-work productivity
after 6 months of follow-up among workers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial; we compared the intervention
programme to usual care. Eligible patients were diagnosed with RA, had a paid job
(> 8 h per week) and who experienced, at least, minor difficulties in work
functioning. Supervisor support was measured with a subscale of the Job Content
Questionnaire, work instability with the Work Instability Scale for RA, and
at-work productivity with the Work Limitations Questionnaire. Data were analyzed
using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: A beneficial effect of the
intervention programme was found on supervisor support among 150 patients.
Analyses revealed no effects on work instability and at-work productivity.
CONCLUSION: We found a small positive effect of the intervention on supervisor
support, but did not find any effects on work instability and at-work
productivity loss. Future research should establish whether this significant but
small increase in supervisor support leads to improved work functioning in the
long run. This study shows clinicians that patients with RA are in need of
efforts to support them in their work functioning. Implications for
Rehabilitation Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a
severe impact on work functioning, even when a patient is still working. It is
important to involve the workplace when an intervention is put in place to
support RA patients in their work participation. Supervisor support influences
health outcomes of workers, and it is possible to improve supervisor support by
an intervention which involves the workplace and supervisor.

Langue : ANGLAIS