Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Experiencing work as a daily challenge: the case of scleroderma
Cindy Mendelson1, Janet L Poole, Saralynn Allaire
1College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5688, USA. cfmendelson@salud.unm.edu
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|August 29, 2012
Summary
Individuals with scleroderma (SSc) face daily work challenges. Simple worksite accommodations and flexible scheduling are crucial for enabling them to maintain employment and avoid disability.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Occupational Health
- Scleroderma Research
Background:
- Scleroderma (SSc) significantly impacts individuals' ability to work.
- Understanding the specific physical and discretionary work challenges faced by SSc patients is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the work-related challenges encountered by employed individuals with SSc.
- To identify adaptations that enable individuals with SSc to continue working.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study involving 32 employed individuals with SSc.
- Data collected through structured interviews.
- Content and thematic analysis to identify key themes.
Main Results:
- Work is a daily challenge for most employees with SSc.
- Key themes include the work environment, career planning, and the role of supportive others.
- Specific challenges and necessary accommodations were identified.
Conclusions:
- Employees with SSc are motivated to find ways to continue working.
- Worksite accommodations and flexible scheduling are critical factors in maintaining employment for individuals with SSc.
- These factors can prevent a transition to disability.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:24Healing II: Complications
Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:17Classification of Illness
The meaning of illness is individualized to each person who experiences an alteration in health. In contrast, disease is a medical term indicating a pathological change in the structure and function of the body or mind. It is a condition that has specific symptoms and boundaries.
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe and...
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe and...