Topic: Musculoskeletal
Conditions
Interventions
Participants are randomly allocated to receive VR or a stay at work information pack only.
Control group: An information pack including the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and A
Sponsors
University of Salford (UK)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. People with inflammatory arthritis (i.e., specifically early inflammatory arthritis [IA], rheumatoid arthritis [RA], psoriatic arthritis [PA]) 2. Aged 18 years and over 3. Able to read, write and understand English and in paid work (full or parttime) 4. People who answer "yes" to:"Do you have any concerns about your health affecting your ability to work over the next few years?" 5. Able to give informed consent 6. Male & Female; Upper Age Limit 65 years ; Lower Age Limit 18 years
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: People who are: 1. On extended sick leave (i.e. > 3 months) or unemployed (including not normally in paid employment or student) 2. Planning to retire or take early retirement (through choice or ill health) within the next 12 months 3. Already receiving or awaiting work rehabilitation services 4. Planning to move out of area or expecting joint replacement surgery in the next 6 months 5. Other conditions affecting work apart from arthritis (e.g. uncontrolled medical/ psychiatric problems
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Work status 1.1. Work instability 1.2. Sickness absence Measured at 0, 6 and 9 months | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Health status 1.1. Pain 1.2. Fatigue 1.3. Functional status 2. NHS costs Measured at 0, 6, 9 months | — |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed