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Work disability resulting from chronic health conditions
Debra Lerner1, Saralynn H Allaire, Susan T Reisine
1The Health Institute, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts-New England Medical Center, 750 Washington Street, NEMC #345, Boston, MA 02111, USA. dlerner@tufts-nemc.org
Objectives:
To describe current programs and policies for addressing work disability among adults with chronic health conditions, and to identify opportunities for new research aimed at reducing the problem.
Methods:
The authors conducted secondary data analysis and a literature review.
Results:
Millions of Americans with a chronic health condition have a work disability or are at risk of developing one. This public health problem is costing hundreds of billions of dollars a year nationally in lost productivity and diminishing the quality of life of millions of Americans. The medical care system, employers, and government--three traditional sources of help for adults with chronic health problems--are not sufficiently oriented toward the primary or secondary prevention of work disability.
Conclusions:
New research is urgently needed to reduce the burden of work disability on individuals and society.