Article

PURPOSE: To explore what work-related dilemmas are experienced by patients with
early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to their own descriptions, and to
interpret this in terms of participation categories of the International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHOD: In 48
patients with early RA, qualitative interviews were analyzed, followed by linking
of concepts to the activity/participation component of the ICF and interpretation
of general themes. RESULTS: Work-related dilemmas represented different societal
perspectives on work related to acquiring, keeping and terminating a job,
self-employment, part-time, full-time and non-remunerative employment. Dilemmas
also represented participation priorities in economic self-sufficiency, self-care
such as health care, and avoiding social relationships and recreation in favor of
work. Leisure time was influenced because efforts of working took energy and time
of day-to-day procedures. Embedded actions in work-related dilemmas were carrying
out daily routine, mobility including using transportation, self-care, domestic
life and social interaction. CONCLUSION: The general themes societal
perspectives, participation priorities and embedded actions, with the included
ICF categories that are described in detail according to the experiences of the
patients, can support clinical reasoning and research on quantitative relations
to disease activity, body functions, ability and contextual factors.

Langue : ANGLAIS