Negative work events reported online precede job loss in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts employment.
• Predicting job loss in MS patients is crucial for timely support.
• Online surveys offer a scalable method for monitoring vocational health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate an online survey for predicting job loss in MS patients.
• To identify risk factors associated with employment termination in MS.

Main Methods:

• 284 individuals (221 MS patients, 63 controls) were monitored quarterly via an online tool.
• Job loss rates were compared between MS patients and controls.
• Survey responses of MS patients who lost jobs were compared to those who remained employed.

Main Results:

• 10% of MS patients experienced job loss, compared to 0% in controls.
• Job loss was associated with later MS diagnosis, progressive disease, and higher physical disability (PDDS).
• Negative work events within three months preceded job loss in declining patients.

Conclusions:

• An online survey effectively monitors physical disability and patient-reported job loss risks in MS.
• This tool can facilitate clinical assessments to prevent unemployment.
• Early detection aids in securing disability benefits for MS patients.