There is large variation between countries in Europe in the rules for sick leave and work disability pensions.<\/p>\n
Introduction<\/strong> Rheumatoid arthritis can affect a person\u2019s functional ability, and limit their ability to work. After 10 years with the disease, around one-third of people with rheumatoid arthritis are no longer able to work. The rules for sick leave and disability pensions for people with rheumatoid arthritis vary between countries. Previous research \u2022\u00a0Anglo-Saxon:<\/em>\u00a0UK, Ireland <\/span>What did the authors hope to find?<\/strong> How was the study conducted?<\/strong> For the second and third surveys, 15 people with rheumatoid arthritis and 15 rheumatologists in each country completed a questionnaire that asked about their perceptions of different aspects of the social security and welfare system.<\/p>\n What are the main findings of the study?<\/strong> The study also found that nearly three-quarters of the rheumatologists thought there was a lack of standardisation in how decisions are made about people\u2019s ability to work. Rheumatologists in wealthier countries and EU-member countries were less confident about making decisions on people\u2019s ability to work. One reason for this could be that rheumatologists in lower income countries interact more with patients on these issues and accept disability questions as part of their responsibility.<\/p>\n Overall, patients and rheumatologists in countries with Scandinavian or Bismarckian systems were the most satisfied with the regulations in place, and the performance of the welfare and social security system in their country.<\/p>\n Are these findings new?<\/strong> What are the limitations of the study?<\/strong> What do the authors plan on doing with this information?<\/strong> What does this mean for me?<\/strong> Social security systems are different and complex. If you have questions about your disease or your ability to work, you should talk to your rheumatologist, and check the rules and regulations in your country so that you can take well-informed decisions about continuing or stopping work.<\/p>\n If you are interested in finding out more, have a look at the EULAR campaign called \u201cDon\u2019t Delay, Connect Today \u2013 Time2Work\u201d. This campaign was run in 2019, and highlights how important it is for employers to support people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. You can find the campaign here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.eular.org\/eular_campaign.cfm<\/a><\/p>\n Disclaimer:<\/strong>\u00a0This is a summary of a scientific article written by a medical professional (\u201cthe Original Article\u201d). The Summary is written to assist non medically trained readers to understand general points of the Original Article. It is supplied \u201cas is\u201d without any warranty. You should note that the Original Article (and Summary) may not be fully relevant nor accurate as medical science is constantly changing and errors can occur. It is therefore very important that readers not rely on the content in the Summary and consult their medical professionals for all aspects of their health care and only rely on the Summary if directed to do so by their medical professional. Please view our full\u00a0Website Terms and Conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Date prepared:<\/strong>\u00a0October 2019 There is large variation between countries in Europe in the rules for sick leave and work disability pensions. Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects a person\u2019s joints, causing pain and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages, although it is more common in women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect […]<\/p>\n
\nRheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects a person\u2019s joints, causing pain and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages, although it is more common in women than men.<\/p>\n
\nhas grouped the different welfare and social security systems into five types. These are listed out below, with the countries that each applies to:<\/p>\n
\n\u2022\u00a0Scandinavian:<\/em>\u00a0Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland
\n\u2022\u00a0Bismarckian:<\/em>\u00a0Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Israel, Netherlands, Switzerland;
\n\u2022\u00a0Mediterranean:<\/em>\u00a0Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey
\n\u2022\u00a0Post-Communist:<\/em>\u00a0Albania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Tajikistan, Slovak Republic, Slovenia<\/p>\n
\nThe authors hoped to find out whether rules for sick leave and work disability for people with rheumatoid arthritis are different across European countries. They were also interested in how well people with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors think the system works. For example, how well the system supports people to remain
\nat work, and whether the process to apply for disability pension is transparent.<\/p>\n
\nThe study was made up of three surveys. The first survey looked at the formal rules and regulations that apply when a person with RA is not able to work (either temporarily or permanently). This survey was filled in by one rheumatologist in every country. The person completing this first survey was encouraged to seek help from
\nother experts and local authorities for specific questions.<\/p>\n
\nThe study found that there was a lot of variation between countries in the regulations around staying at work or being put on a disability pension. These variations could not be explained by a country\u2019s wealth or the type of welfare system that they had.<\/p>\n
\nPrevious studies have looked at differences in work disability rates and regulations in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, this study is the first to show that there are differences across a large number of European countries in the rules around staying in work, and people\u2019s work disability rights.<\/p>\n
\nThe major limitation is that social security systems are very complex. Also, just because rules are in place does not mean they are always followed, and this was not captured in this study.<\/p>\n
\nThis information supports calls to streamline policies for people with rheumatoid arthritis who experience restrictions in their work ability.<\/p>\n
\nIf you have rheumatoid arthritis, there are many different factors which can affect whether you will be well enough to stay at work, if you need adaptations in the work place, or if you will need to go on a disability pension. Some of these apply to you as an individual, and some are because of the country or region you live in.<\/p>\n
\nSummary based on research article published on: 19 August 2019
\nFrom: Putrik P, et al. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis facing sick leave or work disability meet varying regulations: a study among rheumatologists and patients from 44 European countries. Ann Rheum Dis 2019;78:1472\u20131479. doi:10.1136\/annrheumdis-2019-215294
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