Systematic review: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and work-related outcomes

Abstract

Future studies are required which assess the impact of COPD on presenteeism using validated presenteeism instruments and consistent reporting methods. Robust studies are now needed to identify modifiable factors associated with these poorer working outcomes to inform future interventions aimed at improving work productivity among those with COPD.

Enabling patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to identify and express their support needs to health care professionals: A qualitative study to develop a tool

“…High levels of comorbidity are experienced by patients with advanced COPD, 36 and there is an increasing role for informal carers (and associated carer burden and need) as disease progresses; 37,38 furthermore, few patients with advanced disease work. 39 Use of multiple data sources therefore ensured a comprehensive evidence base for SNAP tool items.…”

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Work: Is It Time to Stop?

“…One third of the 447 patients from the United States in the study reported that they were prevented from working because of their COPD, and a further 18% were limited in their ability to work. In a more recent survey of nearly 2,500 patients in Brazil, China, Germany, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom aged 45–67 years, nearly 40% had retired prematurely because of COPD at an average age of 54 years (3), and numerous subsequent studies have confirmed that people with COPD are more likely to be not working (4). Some studies have suggested that working rates fall as the severity of airflow obstruction increases, but the relationship is inconsistent (4), possibly because many patients also have comorbidities that may be the reason for not working, rather than COPD.…”

“…In a more recent survey of nearly 2,500 patients in Brazil, China, Germany, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom aged 45–67 years, nearly 40% had retired prematurely because of COPD at an average age of 54 years (3), and numerous subsequent studies have confirmed that people with COPD are more likely to be not working (4). Some studies have suggested that working rates fall as the severity of airflow obstruction increases, but the relationship is inconsistent (4), possibly because many patients also have comorbidities that may be the reason for not working, rather than COPD. In some cases, not working may reflect the fact that occupational exposures worsen symptoms, and exposures can, of course, also contribute to the development of COPD (Figure 1) (5).…”

“…As well as leading to stopping working, COPD leads to increased absenteeism (4). People with COPD are approximately twice as likely to have a short-term disability and more than four times as likely to have long-term disability (7), although comorbidities may also influence this.…”

“…Symptoms may also limit the productivity of patients who remain at work. A number of large cross-sectional studies in the United States and other countries found that people with COPD were significantly more likely to report presenteeism (4), and results from studies using self-report data indicate that approximately 13–18% are limited in what they can do (8).…”