Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Challenges in the Workplace and Support for Coping with Disease

Abstract

Purpose Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are often impaired in their ability to be employed due to IBD symptoms. The aim of this study was to explore work-related problems and support requested by IBD patients and develop rehabilitation programs meeting their needs. Methods A total of 235 IBD patients (97 rehabilitants, 138 outpatients) completed a questionnaire assessing disease-specific impairments, work-related concerns and the need for support services. Subjective work disability was determined with the SPE scale. Results Participants were on average 46 years old, 60% were women, 45% suffered from Crohn's disease and 67% worked full-Time; 72% (n=170) had a negative subjective prognosis of gainful employment. Participants reported an average of 12 disease-specific and 22 work-related problems. About 50% of the participants reported disease-specific problems, namely fatigue (66%), weakness (55%) and urge to pass stool (55%). The three most common work-related problems affecting more than 50% of the respondents almost every day were reduced work ability (56%), worrying about not being fully efficient (55%) and stress at work (53%). Support services requested were counselling for information on the disease (91%), treatment options (88%), social law benefits (85%) and exercises to increase physical fitness (84%). Conclusion The wide range of work-related physical and psychosocial impairments affecting IBD patients reveals a need to extend current rehabilitation services, with a stronger occupational focus and to implement a standardized screening for work-related problems. Disease-specific support services can be developed and addressed in a multimodal and interdisciplinary setting such as the rehabilitation sector.