Abstract
In the light of improved and costly treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the evaluation of work disability has gained increased attention. The assumption that better treatment of RA leads to increased work participation has not yet been supported by sufficient evidence. Differences in RA-related work disability have been observed between countries, also indicating an influence of non-disease-related macroeconomic factors. Work disability results from a complex interaction between a clinical disease, sociodemographic variables, macroeconomic conditions, and personal factors. Some of these factors are modifiable, while others are not.
Highlights
In the light of improved and costly treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the evaluation of work disability has gained increased attention
Rates of work disability are higher in people with RA than in the general population when adjusting for age and gender [2]
Why is work disability increased in RA? People with RA who are work disabled have worse quality of life and more joint involvement, radiographic damage, disease activity, physical disability measured by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and presence of rheumatoid factor than people with RA who are working
Summary
In the light of improved and costly treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the evaluation of work disability has gained increased attention. From a societal perspective it is important to evaluate if work disability in RA can be reduced alongside the proven clinical effectiveness of biologic drugs and other advances in treating and caring for patients with RA, which has alleviated the disease burden in recent years [3].
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