Process Evaluation of a Workplace Integrated Care Intervention for Workers with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rheumatology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis significantly impacts work productivity.
• Integrated care models aim to improve health outcomes and work retention for chronic conditions.
• Workplace interventions can facilitate adaptations for employees with rheumatoid arthritis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a process evaluation of a workplace integrated care intervention for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• To assess the implementation of integrated care and participatory workplace adaptations.
• To determine the intervention's effectiveness in maintaining and improving work productivity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Linnan and Steckler's framework for process evaluation.
• Assessed recruitment, reach, dose delivered/received, fidelity, and satisfaction.
• Collected data via patient questionnaires and medical records.

Main Results:

• 150 out of 1973 invited rheumatoid arthritis patients participated.
• Integrated care was delivered to 46.7% of participants; participatory intervention reached 80.6%.
• Participants implemented 70% of proposed workplace adaptations; fidelity was sufficient, but multidisciplinary communication was limited.

Conclusions:

• The integrated care intervention was not fully implemented as intended due to low participant numbers.
• The participatory workplace intervention component was successfully implemented.
• Despite implementation challenges, participants reported satisfaction with the intervention.