[Worker participation as a treatment goal: new guideline "Rheumatoid Arthritis and Participation in Work"]

Participation in work is important for every individual and for society as a whole. Despite large improvements in the outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis as a consequence of earlier diagnosis and more effective drug strategies, the disease continues to lead to restrictions in work participation in a substantial proportion of patients. The Dutch Rheumatology Association (NVR) has therefore developed a multidisciplinary guideline, "Rheumatoid Arthritis and Participation in Work". The main aim of this guideline is to improve early recognition by healthcare providers of disease related problems in work participation and to guide the development of a work-directed individual treatment plan. The ultimate goal is to prevent long-term sickness absences and work disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.