Influence of significant others on work participation of individuals with chronic diseases: a systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveIt is widely recognised that significant others (SOs), such as a partner, family member or friend, can influence health outcomes of individuals with a chronic disease. However, not much is known about which specific cognitions (ie, illness perceptions and expectation of work ability) and behaviours (eg, emotional and practical support) of SOs influence work participation. Therefore, we aimed to identify cognitions and behaviours of SOs that are related to work participation of individuals with a chronic disease.DesignA systematic review and thematic synthesis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and Web of Science were searched until 28 March 2017.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe included studies reporting on cognitions and behaviours of SOs related to work participation in populations with various chronic diseases.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers extracted the data and performed a quality assessment using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies from the Effective Public Health Practice Project 2007 and a checklist for assessment of qualitative studies derived from the Cochrane Supplemental Handbook Guidance. Evidence was thematically synthesised.ResultsOut of 5168 articles, 18 were included (15 qualitative and 3 quantitative) of moderate to high quality. Studies were on cancer, chronic pain, brain injuries and mental health disorders. After thematic synthesis 27 factors could be distinguished. Consistent evidence was found that SOs’ positive and encouraging attitudes regarding work participation, encouragement and motivating behaviour and open communication with patients are facilitators for work participation. Consistently reported barriers were SOs’ positive attitudes towards sickness absence and advise, encouragement or pressure to refrain from work.ConclusionsOur findings show that several cognitions and behaviours of SOs can facilitate or hinder work participation of individuals with a chronic disease. Intervening on these factors by involving SOs in disability prevention and return to work intervention strategies may be beneficial. More prognostic studies are needed, as the current evidence is mostly based on qualitative studies.

Influence of placebo effects on quality of life and wound healing in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers

“…If -as in our study -there is an increase in quality of life, the interaction with SOs may become easier, thus facilitating patients' integration into everyday (work) life [27]. If -as in our study -there is an increase in quality of life, the interaction with SOs may become easier, thus facilitating patients' integration into everyday (work) life [27].…”

“…A recent review article that included 18 moderate-to-high quality studies (out of 5,168 publications) of patients with chronic diseases revealed that a positive or negative attitude of SOs (significant others, i.e., partners, family members, relatives, and friends) towards work participation has corresponding effects on these patients. If -as in our study -there is an increase in quality of life, the interaction with SOs may become easier, thus facilitating patients' integration into everyday (work) life [27]. Even though in our cohort (mean age in the 7 th decade) reintegration into professional life may not play a major role, integration into everyday life as a result of improved quality of life is a fundamental aspect of patients' well-being.…”

Assessing significant others’ cognitions and behavioral responses in occupational health care for workers with a chronic disease

“…This is in line with prior research that indicates that SOs' cognitions (e.g., illness perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes) and behavioral responses (e.g., social support and negative or solicitous responses) can influence how workers cope with chronic disease [10][11][12][13][14][15]. More specifically, in a recent systematic review, we found that SOs' positive and encouraging attitudes regarding work participation, encouragement and motivating behavior and open communication with workers can facilitate work participation [4]. On the other hand, SO's positive attitudes towards sickness absence and advise, encouragement or pressure to refrain from work can hinder work participation of workers with a chronic disease.…”

“…As we were interested in assessment practices of OHPs concerning SOs of workers, we specified SOs as a partner, family members, or friends at the start of the survey. To measure OHPs' current assessment practices, we used three constructs, derived from our recently published systematic review [4], namely assessment of SOs' (i) illness perceptions, (ii) work-related beliefs and expectations, and (iii) supportive and unsupportive behavioral responses. For all three constructs, items were derived from existing questionnaires and adapted to the purpose of this survey.…”

“…Significant others (SOs), like partners, family members or friends, can play an important role in work and health outcomes of individuals with a chronic disease [1][2][3][4]. SOs can be an important resource to help individuals cope effectively with a chronic disease and to manage their working life [1,[4][5][6], and may therefore be important facilitators of work participation. However, they can also be an important barrier, for example, when SOs believe that return to work will worsen the condition and they pressure the worker to refrain from work [7,8].…”