New report from Centre research details existing work-related support resources for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions

Incorporating work from a recent CMHW review and findings from the University of Aberdeen’s RHEUMAPs study, a new report explores the awareness and use of work-related support services amongst people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions and online work resources provided by UK musculoskeletal charities to identify specific areas for improvement.

Supporting people with health conditions to remain in work is a UK government priority. Rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions greatly impact people’s working lives, including conditions such as inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis), rare autoimmune conditions such as lupus and vasculitis, and other painful conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. They are one of the most common causes of days lost from work in the UK and people deciding to stop work earlier than intended.

While several resources are available to help healthcare professionals better support their patients to work, people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions report their health consultations are mainly focused on medical aspects of their condition and medications, and that work issues are rarely discussed. Support with work-related challenges often remains an unmet need for people with living with these conditions.

This report explores the awareness and use of work-related support services amongst people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions and availability of online work resources provided by UK musculoskeletal charities, and aims to identify areas for improvement to access to work support resources for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

You can read the full report here.