Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western
Ontario, London, ON, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Janelle Gangapersad, MSc (Cand.)
Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, N6G
1H1. Tel.: +1 519 661 2111 ext. 88971; E-mail: janellejg@gmail.com
Abstract: Objective: Chronic pain such as arthritis has a significant impact
on occupational performance in the workplace that contributes to decreased
productivity, reduced rates of employment, personal and societal economic
costs. In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of WORK, a scoping review was
conducted to understand the knowledge base on chronic pain. The purpose of this
was to examine and describe WORK's contribution to the literature relevant for
rehabilitation professionals such as occupational therapists to improve work
related outcomes for persons experiencing chronic pain. Method: The method employed the use of historical, citation and
dimension analyses of assessment and intervention articles. Results: Of the 30 articles identified in WORK, the historical
analysis of their scope indicated an international representation of authors
and a greater emphasis on quantitative study designs. The citation analysis
revealed that the articles in WORK drew heavily on medical literature to inform
their studies. The dimensional analysis of the assessment and intervention
articles applied an occupational lens of self-care, productivity and leisure,
to draw upon the Occupational Competence Model and identified that the majority
of papers focused on 2 or more dimensions of the person, environment and occupation. Conclusions: WORK has contributed to the knowledge base of
assessment and intervention approaches that inform work rehabilitation
strategies for individuals with chronic pain. To advance its knowledge base for
the rehabilitation and management of chronic pain, WORK is encouraged to
include more prevention and multidimensional interventions articles, as well as
articles that contain multidimensional assessment tools that address both
clinical and outcome assessments of chronic pain. Additionally internal
dialogue should be encouraged within WORK so that new authors build on previous
submissions and increase the impact and quality of research on chronic pain as
it pertains to work.
Keywords: Work readiness, return to work, work accommodations, assessment, intervention
