CompletedInterventional

WORKWELL: Testing work advice for people with arthritis

Many people with inflammatory arthritis struggle to stay in work because of joint pain, stiffness, and severe tiredness. Without the right support, up to half may stop working within ten years of diagnosis. However, simple workplace adjustments—such as flexible working hours or changing equipment—can help people protect their jobs. The WORKWELL study tests the best way to support people facing these work challenges. Participants are placed into one of two groups. One group receives a comprehensive written self-help guide full of practical tips on managing work problems. The second group receives the guide plus up to four one-to-one sessions with an occupational therapist trained in work rehabilitation. The study compares both approaches to see which one works best to reduce work-related stress, improve everyday health, and offer good value for the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Salford

Enrolment target

240

Start

18 Feb 2019

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2021

Inflammatory arthritis

What is this study about?

Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, causes painful, swollen joints and extreme tiredness. These symptoms can make everyday job tasks uncomfortable, stressful, or physically exhausting. Sadly, many people feel forced to leave work earlier than they want to because of their health. Leaving employment unexpectedly can lead to money worries, social isolation, and lower mental wellbeing.

Research shows that making sensible adjustments at work can help people with arthritis stay in their jobs for much longer. These changes might include altering your working hours, getting special ergonomic equipment, or changing how you carry out daily tasks. Even so, many people do not know what support is available, or feel unsure about how to discuss their health with their employer.

The WORKWELL trial was designed to find the most effective way to help working adults with arthritis. By comparing a self-help information guide with tailored, one-to-one sessions from an occupational therapist, researchers hope to discover what gives people the best chance of remaining happily employed. The findings from this study will help the NHS provide better, practical support to workers across the UK.

Key takeaways

WORKWELL explores practical ways to help people with inflammatory arthritis stay in paid employment.
The study compares a written self-help guide against the guide combined with specialist occupational therapy.
Open to working adults (18+) working at least 15 paid hours a week who are struggling with job tasks.
No new medications or changes to your current NHS arthritis treatment are involved.
The goal is to provide lasting, practical solutions to reduce work-related pain, fatigue, and stress.

Who may be eligible?

To take part, you must be aged 18 or older and currently working in paid employment for at least 15 hours a week. This includes full-time, part-time, self-employed, or contract work. You can take part even if you are past the state pension age, as long as you are still working. If you are currently off work sick, this must be for less than four weeks.

You need to have a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or early inflammatory arthritis made by a hospital rheumatologist. You must also be experiencing difficulties managing your job because of your arthritis symptoms, which is checked using a brief 5-minute survey.

Because all study materials and questionnaires are currently only available in English, you must be able to read and understand English. You also need to be able to travel to a participating local NHS hospital if you are offered appointments with a therapist.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 or older and currently working at least 15 paid hours a week?
Have you been diagnosed with rheumatoid, psoriatic, or inflammatory arthritis by a specialist?
Are you experiencing pain, tiredness, or difficulties that affect your ability to do your job?
If you are currently on sick leave, has it been for less than four weeks?
Can you read and understand written English to complete questionnaires?
Can you attend appointments at a participating NHS hospital if needed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part does not involve any changes to your usual medication or medical care. After agreeing to join, you will complete an initial questionnaire booklet about your job, daily challenges, and general health. You are then placed into one of two groups by chance (randomly).

If you are in the first group, you will receive a helpful written booklet with advice and a step-by-step chart on how to manage work difficulties. If you are in the second group, you will receive the booklet and attend up to four private sessions with a trained occupational therapist. These appointments last around an hour, take place roughly once a month, and can be arranged early or late in the day to fit around your work. If you wish, the therapist can also visit your workplace or speak with your boss, but this is entirely your choice.

All participants fill in follow-up questionnaires at 6 and 12 months, and some may be asked to complete further check-ins over the following years so researchers can track long-term progress. A small number of participants will also be invited to take part in a friendly interview to share their thoughts on the support they received.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no medical risks or side effects from taking part, as the study does not involve testing new drugs or physical treatments. A potential benefit is discovering practical ways to adapt your work routine and improve your wellbeing, which could help you stay in your job with less pain and fatigue. Taking part is completely voluntary; you can choose to leave the study at any time, and this will never affect your standard NHS medical care.

Locations (19)

Centre for Health Sciences Research
City only
Salford, England
St Helens and Knowsley Hospital Services NHS Trust
City only
Prescot, England
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, England
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Approximate
Worcester, England
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Salford, England
Countess Of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Chester, England
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Barnsley, England
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Sutton-in-Ashfield, England
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
North Shields, England
NHS Cannock Chase CCG
Unverified
Cannock, England
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Unverified
Leeds, England

Common questions

Will my employer find out that I am taking part?

Only if you want them to. Your therapist can only contact your workplace or employer if you give your clear permission.

Does it cost anything to take part?

No. The support and materials are provided completely free of charge as part of NHS research.

Will taking part alter my normal arthritis treatment?

No. You will continue to take your normal prescribed medications and see your regular NHS rheumatology team as usual.

What if I cannot attend hospital sessions during work hours?

The therapist appointments are designed to be flexible and can often be scheduled early in the morning or later in the afternoon to fit around your job.

How is it decided which group I join?

A computer programme assigns participants to either the self-help guide group or the therapist group by chance. This ensures the study remains fair and balanced.

How to find out more

Yeliz Prior

y.prior@salford.ac.uk +44 (0)161 295 0211 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.