The impact and burden of chronic pain in the workplace: a qualitative systematic review

Patel, A. S., Farquharson, R., Carroll, D., Moore, A., Phillips, C. J., Taylor, R. S. and Barden, J. (2012) The impact and burden of chronic pain in the workplace: a qualitative systematic review. Pain Practice, 12(7), pp. 578-589. (doi: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2012.00547.x)

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Abstract

Background: Chronic pain (CP) poses a diverse and substantial burden for employees, employers, and society. The deleterious consequences of CP in the workplace are frequently underestimated. Objective: To estimate the burden of CP in the European workplace. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA statement guidelines was conducted to identify studies reporting work‐related outcomes for people with CP. EMBASE, MEDLINE, EconLit, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to 18th August 2010. Results: We identified 91 observational studies. Few were specifically designed to investigate the association between CP, productivity, and employment. The focus for this review was studies clearly reporting outcomes relating to the burden of CP on employment status (n  = 37), sickness absence (absenteeism, n  = 47), and loss of productivity because of reduced ability at work (presenteeism, n  = 8). Conclusion: The body of evidence identified from the systematic review indicates that CP has a substantial negative impact on work‐related outcomes, supporting the importance of interventions to reduce the burden of CP. Well‐designed prospective studies specifically assessing the direct consequences of CP on employment are needed to confirm these findings.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Taylor, Professor Rod
Authors: Patel, A. S., Farquharson, R., Carroll, D., Moore, A., Phillips, C. J., Taylor, R. S., and Barden, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Pain Practice
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1530-7085
ISSN (Online):1533-2500
Published Online:29 March 2012

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