P042 The impacts of rheumatic diseases in the workplace and employment

Abstract Background/Aims Patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions report a range of impacts on their personal life, family, education and employment. Whilst reasonable adjustments are required in law to provide sufficient support to people with chronic health conditions, these are not always forthcoming or adequate to mitigate the impacts of disease on employment. This collaborative study between three patient organisations explored the impact of disease on employment in a UK population. Methods Adults in the UK aged 18+ who had any diagnosis of a musculoskeletal or rheumatic condition were invited to complete an online survey. Respondents provided information about their diagnosis, experiences and attitudes across a range of themes and topics, including work and employment. Results In total, 532 respondents completed the survey (64% female; 68% White ethnicity). Overall, 371 (77%) reported that their arthritis affected them at work or in their daily duties and responsibilities, with a higher proportion of females experiencing this (82% compared to 65% of males, p.001). The majority reported fatigue (75%) and impacts on their ability to do household chores (63%), and around a third had their choice of job limited (33%) or have had to reduce their working hours (30%) due to their arthritis, and 29% found their arthritis has not been recognised in employment. Overall, 16% reported their employer was not supportive when they needed to attend medical appointments, and 53% had found their arthritis affected them financially through having to reduce their hours at work, taking unpaid time off, paying to travel to appointments, paying for their prescriptions, or other reasons. Conclusion Arthritis brings a substantial burden to patients, including in their access to, and experiences of, the workplace. Whilst many patients have developed their own ways to circumvent the barriers they experience (such as choosing employment that is more accessible to them, reducing hours, or changing roles), these choices can impact them financially. Increased awareness of the impacts, and improved understanding, amongst employers, coupled with better support for patients to access employment and for employers to access support and guidance, may help reduce barriers and improve experiences for patients with arthritis. Disclosure R.P. Beesley: None. R.M. Beesley: None. K. Middleton: None. A. McBride: None.