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QUANTIFYING THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC PAIN ON WORK
M. J. Stevens1, L. Morton1, R. S. Anderson1, E. Wainwright1, S. Verstappen2, N. Goodson3, N. Fear4, P. McNamee5, K. Walker-Bone6, I. Madan7, R. J. Hollick1, G. J. Macfarlane1
1Versus Arthritis/Medical Research Council Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (University of Aberdeen), UK
2Versus Arthritis/Medical Research Council Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (University of Manchester), UK
3Versus Arthritis/Medical Research Council Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (Liverpool John Moores University), UK
4Versus Arthritis/Medical Research Council Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (King’s College), UK
5Health Economic Research Unit (University of Aberdeen), UK
6Versus Arthritis/Medical Research Council Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (University of Southampton); Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
7Versus Arthritis/Medical Research Council Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust), UK
Background:
Chronic pain impacts people’s work in a variety of ways. We have previously identified through a systematic review that existing questionnaires have not captured this range of work impacts and have instead focused on presenteeism and absenteeism. There is a need to develop an instrument to quantify the range of impacts that are important to people working with chronic pain. This study aimed to develop a new instrument.
Methods:
We conducted focus groups with people with chronic pain and a range of stakeholders to identify key domains relating to impacts of chronic pain on work. Findings informed the constructs and items to include in the instrument. We carried out a multi-stage Delphi process to refine the items. The instrument was then tested within general population, clinical, and occupational samples. Item comprehension was evaluated using a concurrent Think Aloud process.
Results:
Focus groups with 50 participants identified key domains to include. Ten domains included items relating to e.g. financial consequences, cognitive impacts, and degree of support for job modifications. Following the Delphi, 14 items were included for final testing. 807 people completed the questionnaire which is currently being evaluated for validity and reliability in general population, clinical, and occupational samples.
Implications for policy or practice:
We have developed an instrument to quantify the impact of chronic pain on work and it is scheduled to be available for use from late 2024. The information captured will help to identify appropriate interventions at individual and population level to address specific identified impacts.
Reference:
Stagg, A.L., Madan, I., Fear, N., Stevens, M.J., Wainwright, E., Hoving, J.L., Macfarlane, G.J., Hollick, R., Morton, L. and QUICK Study Investigators, 2022. Do current methods of measuring the impact of chronic pain on work reflect the experience of working-age adults? An integrated mixed-methods systematic narrative review. Pain, pp.10-1097.
