Article Text
Abstract
Background and Importance Work disability is a major health problem with considerable social and economic implications, especially evident in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Among the pharmacological treatments for IMIDs, biological therapies and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) stand out. Considering the impact of both the treatment and the disease on the patient‘s work life is crucial to making informed treatment decisions. Evidence-based analyses comparing the safety, efficacy and costs of biologic therapies and JAKi for IMIDs are essential to assist healthcare professionals and policy makers
Aim and Objectives This study aims to evaluate the labour productivity impact of biologic therapies and JAKi in patients with rheumatic (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), dermatological (psoriasis, urticarial, atopic dermatitis), and gastrointestinal autoimmune conditions (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). The assessment will employ the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ), designed to measure work disability and the perceived influence of health conditions on job performance.
Material and Methods A cohort of 138 patients diagnosed with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs) was selected from five Spanish public hospitals. The study spanned from April 2021 to August 2022, with a one-year follow-up after initiating or switching to biologic therapy or JAK inhibitors (JAKi). Remote data collection utilised the Work-related Fatigue Questionnaire (WRFQ), comprising 27 items in five subscales. Comparative analysis employed a paired t-test with STATA 17.0
Results Of the participants, 53.4% were female, and the mean age was 50.5 years (range: 18–90). Over the 12-month follow-up, notable improvements in work performance were observed, indicated by score increases:
Work scheduling demands from 65 points+34,63 to 84,49+26,16 (p=0.013)
Output demands from 67,08 points+35,48 to 86,25+22,95 (p=0.001)
Physical demands from 51,8 points+38,06 to 78,33+31,06 (p=0.0093)
Mental demands from 73,26 points+32,46 to 85,6+22,51 (p=0.0694)
Social demands from 77,77 points+31,57 to 91,66 + 19,24 (p=0.054)
Global score from from 68,34 + 32,68 to 84,66+ 4,46 (p=0.026)
Conclusion and Relevance This study underscores a significant improvement in work performance among patients utilising biologic drugs or JAKi therapies. This positive outcome serves to reinforce the value and cost-effectiveness of these treatments, thereby mitigating their substantial impact on healthcare budgets. The findings hold relevance for healthcare professionals and policymakers alike, guiding them toward more informed decisions regarding IMIDs management.
Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.