GPs and consultants – information

The positive links between health, work and well-being are well understood, yet disabled people continue to have lower employment levels than the rest of the population.

Many people feel anxious about disclosing their disability to an employer for fear of discrimination. However, to be guaranteed protection under the Equality Act (or Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland), an employer needs to be aware of a person’s disability.

GPs and consultants are in a unique position to encourage people to feel positive about their ability to work.

Find out more on what you can do as a health professional from Health Work Wellbeing – a Government initiative that brings together individuals, employers and health professionals to help more people stay in employment. There is also lots of helpful information on the Work Life website.

Health benefits of work

The clinical management of most musculoskeletal conditions emphasises the importance of staying active and participating in society as fully as possible. This includes enabling and supporting people with arthritis to work, where appropriate. Advising patients inappropriately to stay off work could have significant and long-term consequences:

• being out of work is bad for physical and mental health
• work generally improves physical and mental wellbeing
• returning to work promotes recovery and aids rehabilitation
• in general the health benefits of work strongly outweigh the risks.

As of April 2010, the fit note – or statement of fitness for work – replaced the sick note. Patients with arthritis need appropriate information and support from you, to help them make the right decisions about work. Some of the ways you can do this include:

• discussing barriers to work and how to overcome them
• helping the individual work out what they can and cannot do
• agreeing realistic healthcare and work goals
• encouraging contact with employers.

Workplace adjustments

Workplace adjustments can enable people with arthritis to work effectively without undue strain on their joints. Your patients with arthritis may need information, reassurance or even an advocate to arrange suitable adjustments.

As arthritis is a fluctuating condition, your patients’ needs and ability to work will vary over time. They will be able to manage their condition effectively through regular contact with their employers, occupational health providers and you as their GP.

Planned return to work

Your patients with arthritis may require additional support and contact while planning a return to work. In particular, they may need:

• more information on their medication and other treatment
• an indication of how long they may need off work
• guidance about suitable adjustments that may help at work, including a phased return, special aids or revised duties
• advice about tasks to avoid, such as driving, operating heavy machinery or specific actions (via referral to occupational health services where necessary).

Benefits

Your patients may ask you about benefits so it might be helpful for you to read a guide for GPs produced by the Department for Work and Pensions on some of the main benefits they could be entitled to.