Exploring the Impact of Fatigue on Work Ability of People with Rheumatic Disease

This study focused in on the influence of fatigue associated with these conditions on the ability to work. The research was conducted by the discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin and was funded under the NDA's Research Promotion Scheme 2014.

The study included a survey of about 300 people, most of whom who were currently working, as well as semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Key findings were:

• Fatigue is a pervasive symptom in employed individuals with rheumatic disease
• Physical demands of work, and fitting in with work schedules were the two reported areas of greatest difficulty, and higher fatigue levels meant greater difficulties
• A significant number of respondents had another concurrent condition
• Younger workers tended to experience more difficulties related to fatigue
• Employers tended to have little awareness of the fatigue issue