Analysis of Decisions on Incapacity for Work Issued at the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) in Relation to Persons with Multiple Sclerosis Before and After the Introduction of Current Drug Treatment Programmes for Multiple Sclerosis in Poland

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse the decisions on incapacity for work issued at the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) in the years 2009-2011 and 2016-2018 in relation to people with MS, before and after the introduction of MS drug treatment programmes in Poland, which in connection with the application for rehabilitation or disability pension were examined by a ZUS certifying doctor or ZUS medical board. Materials and Methods: The analysis covered 100 cases, in which in the years 2009-2011 and 2016-2018, in connection with the application for a rehabilitation benefit or a disability pension, a ZUS certifying doctor or ZUS medical board issued a decision on incapacity for work in relation to the same person with the diagnosed SM. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results: There were 20% less medical decisions confirming deterioration of health condition related to persons covered by drug programmes compared to the group of persons not participating in these programmes. The asymptotic (two-sided) significance of the cross-tabulation association measure was p = 0.053. In the case of an increase in the number of no-change-in-disability decisions in the group of people covered by the drug programme, the asymptotic (two-sided) significance of the cross-tabulation association measure was p = 0.087. Conclusions: 1. The introduction of immunological therapy that modifies the natural course of multiple sclerosis in patients under the MS drug treatment programmes has significantly reduced the development of their motor disability. 2. As a result, people who have become incapable of work due to this disease have maintained their job or have returned to work, which is particularly important for young patients who are likely to remain economically active for many years to come. 3. Such measures have a significant impact on reducing the number of benefits from the social insurance system.