LAUSR

It is widely acknowledged that work has huge impact on health and well-being. As people affected by rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) often have problems in participating in work, they should be supported by the multidisciplinary health care team. Health professionals in rheumatology play an important role in early interventions to support people with RMDs at their work places. This presentation will set out to explore important issues which need to be addressed when enabling people with RMDs to stay employed or return to work from the perspective of health professionals in rheumatology. The presentation will focus on paid work, but also include unpaid work. With reference to ongoing clinical and research work in this field, the author will discuss possibilities and challenges in identifying work related problems, setting goals in a collaborative way, as well as providing different secondary and tertiary preventive strategies, interventions and workplace adaptations. By using a participatory multi-methods approach, facilitating self-management, evaluating and adapting work tasks and the environment, and providing ergonomic devices, people with RMDs can be supported. And as the right time point for doing something for health and more quality of life at the work place is now, some innovative, easy-to-transfer ideas for patients, health professionals and rheumatologists will also be presented. Disclosure of Interest None declared