Patient engagement/self-management
Cheryl Crow, OT
Arthritis Life
Bellevue, WA, United States
Disclosure(s): AbbVie/Abbott: Advisor or Review Panel Member (Terminated, January 11, 2023); Amazon: Royalties (Ongoing); BezzyRA (Healthline): Independent Contractor (Ongoing); EverydayHealth.com: Independent Contractor (Ongoing); Global Healthy Living Foundation: Independent Contractor (Ongoing); Google Ads: Royalties (Ongoing); HealthBeacon: Independent Contractor (Ongoing)
.png "Diane Lacaille, MD, FRCPC photo")
Diane Lacaille, MD, FRCPC
Arthritis Research Canada, University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose
Janet Poole, PhD, OT, FAOTA
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM, United States
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose
Joan Westreich, MSW
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, NY, United States
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose
Although estimates vary, research suggests that up to 45% of people with rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus, may be unemployed within 10 years of diagnosis. Work disability profoundly impacts all areas of a person’s life, socioeconomically, socially, in personal and professional relationships, as well as in one’s sense of identity and self-esteem. There is a considerable body of research that explores and reports on the experience of rheumatic disease patients in the workplace and on the barriers they face in maintaining employment. These studies, however, largely focus on addressing concrete barriers and strategies, but inadequately explore psychosocial factors that may significantly influence and support one’s ability to continue working. Drawing on the expertise of colleagues in social work, occupational therapy, and rheumatology, and a patient perspective, this session will underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach toward assessing and addressing unmet employment related to the needs of patients with rheumatic diseases.
Panelist: Cheryl Crow, OT – Arthritis Life
Panelist: Diane Lacaille, MD, FRCPC – Arthritis Research Canada, University of British Columbia
Panelist: Janet Poole, PhD, OT, FAOTA – University of New Mexico
Panelist: Joan Westreich, MSW – Hospital for Special Surgery
