Affiliations: Virginia Commonwealth University, Physical Medicine
and Rehabilitation, Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering,
Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Satoko Yasuda Crockatt, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering,
Theatre Row Building, 730 East Broad Street, PO Box 843038, Richmond, VA
23298-3038, USA. Tel.: +1 804.827.2562; Fax: +1 804.827.0663; E-mail:
syasuda@vcu.edu
Abstract: With so many people affected by arthritis and the significant impact
it has on themselves and on their families, employers as well as on society,
employment of individuals with arthritis is an important topic to consider. A
review of literature was conducted to examine the issues that arise from
arthritis, factors that influence work disability and employment retention, and
interventions and services that are available to promote and retain employment
for individuals with arthritis. In recent years, employers have begun to
proactively intervene in terms of both prevention activities as well as
provision of accommodation. Work disability is a common occurrence for
individuals with arthritis and factors that influence work disability for those
with arthritis include employment factors, employee factors, disease factors,
and other factors such as access to health care and vocational rehabilitation.
It is critical to consider the complex interaction of these factors in order
for individuals with arthritis to remain productive and future research must
consider all of these aspects when developing and implementing interventions.
Keywords: Arthritis, employment, work disability, vocational rehabilitation
