Chronic conditions on-the-job: Inflammatory/autoimmune disorders

Most people over 40 have at least one chronic condition, and our Canadian workforce is aging.

Addressing the impact of inflammatory, autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis; Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis; psoriasis; psoriatic arthritis; and ankylosing spondylitis is a workplace priority (second only to addressing the impact of mental health conditions at work). Occupational therapy theory provides a framework to identify facilitators and remove barriers to mitigate disability. Review of the occupational therapy literature reveals that appropriate chronic disease self-management practices increases our clients’ occupational participation and performance. Regardless of your area of practice, how can OTs partner with our clients living with these conditions to support self-management and enable occupation?  Can compassionate and innovative occupational therapy intervention respect economic imperatives of the workplace? Can these two interests be win-win?

After taking part in this webinar, participants will:
 

1. Understand the impact of inflammatory, autoimmune conditions on the workplace.
2. Consider application of self-management strategies and principles in the context of work.