O10
IMPROVING WORK PARTICIPATION IN PEOPLE WITH LONG-TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS: THE IMPPACT STUDY
Newington1, S. D’Angelo2, B. Dempsey3, C. A. Chew-Graham4, B. Saunders4, P. McNamee5, C. King6, S. George7, I. Madan3, V. Parsons3, R. Bhundia3, J. Feary8
1Centre for Bone and Joint Health, Queen Mary University of London, UK
2University of Southampton – MRC LEC, UK
3Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service, Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, UK
4School of Medicine, Keele University, UK
5Health Economics Research Unit, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
6Patient Involvement and Public Engagement Specialist, Imperial College
7Co-chair, RED CELLS R US, UK
8National Heart & Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London
Background
People living with physical long-term health conditions (pLTCs) experience high rates of unemployment and economic inactivity. Many may benefit from support to remain in work, increase their work, or return to employment. Disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) may reduce symptom burden and improve work outcomes.
Aims
To survey patients with selected pLTCs [cystic fibrosis (CF), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), severe asthma (SA) and sickle cell disorder (SCD)] who recently started DMTs or other specialist treatments.
Methods
As part of a mixed-methods study, we administered a cross-sectional survey that captured demographics, employment status and history, general and mental health, co-morbidities, and views on work participation.
Results
To date, 160 individuals have been recruited: 59 with CF, 9 with IBD, 58 with SA and 34 with SCD. Participants were predominantly female and of White ethnicity, except for SCD where most were Black. Median age varied from 33 (IBD) to 51 years (SA). Around 70% were in paid work, typically full-time. Participants with SCD reported the highest sickness absence and work impairment. Among those not working, health difficulties were the most frequently cited reason, and most were not actively seeking employment. Preferences regarding future working hours varied, however among those wishing to increase their hours, confidence in their ability to do so was generally low – an important consideration for intervention development.
Conclusions
Early findings highlight varied work related challenges across pLTCs, particularly for people with SCD. These insights will inform the co design of an intervention to support sustainable work participation.
