Supporting Work Participation in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Outcomes from Work-Able Solutions a...

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disorders (RMDs)
• Vocational Rehabilitation

Background:

• Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disorders (RMDs) significantly impact work ability and employment.
• Early intervention is crucial for job retention and return to work for individuals with RMDs.
• Existing interventions may not fully address the complex needs of this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate 'Work-Able Solutions,' a multisite, early access, work-focused occupational therapy intervention.
• To assess the intervention's effectiveness in supporting job retention, return to work, and work role functioning in adults with RMDs.
• To adopt a transdiagnostic approach integrating biopsychosocial and person-centered strategies.

Main Methods:

• Recruited working-age adults with RMDs experiencing work difficulties across three sites.
• Delivered individualized occupational therapy sessions (2-hour assessment plus follow-ups) via face-to-face, virtual, or workplace delivery.
• Utilized the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance framework and collected outcomes pre-post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in work status post-intervention and sustained at 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001).
• Reduced reliance on illness benefits (p < 0.001) and decreased perceived job loss risk (p < 0.001).
• Enhanced work role functioning, quality of life, coping, and symptom management (pain, fatigue, disability) (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Early, individualized, work-focused occupational therapy is effective for adults with RMDs.
• The intervention successfully supports job retention, return to work, and improved functioning.
• Demonstrates real-world effectiveness in enhancing quality of life and managing symptoms associated with RMDs.