When Symptoms Aren't Visible or Measurable, How Should Disability Be Assessed?

Abstract

Qualitative data can supplement and contextualize quantitative data and can be useful in disability determinations to help clinicians gain fuller understanding of patients' experiences of chronic illness or disability. This commentary response to a case suggests the importance for patient-centered care of physicians guiding patients' documentation of their own illness experiences. Specifically, patients writing daily journal briefs about work-related activities and pain can help clinicians offer recommendations, facilitate disability determination processes, and motivate employers' understandings of reasonable accommodations.