Tarun Chhibba1, John R Walker2, Kathryn Sexton2, Gayle Restall1, Melony Ivekovic1, Leigh Ann Shafer3, Harminder Singh4, Laura E Targownik3, Charles N Bernstein5. 1. University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 2. University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 3. University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 4. University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 5. University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Electronic address: charles.bernstein@med.umanitoba.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS: People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often experience periods of illness that interfere with their ability to work. We aimed to understand the need for workplace accommodation during periods of acute illness among persons IBD. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the population-based University of Manitoba Research Registry and received a survey including questions assessing experiences with workplace accommodations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: A total of 1143 individuals responded to the survey (46% response rate), of whom 881 had experienced IBD symptoms in the workplace and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 48.3 years (standard deviation, 10.9); 61% were female. Mean IBD duration was 20.6 years (standard deviation, 10.5). Most respondents (73%) described IBD symptoms experienced in the workplace as severe to very severe. The most commonly required accommodations were time to go to medical appointments during working hours (81%), easy access to a toilet (71%), and a chance to take a break when not feeling well (54%). Most accommodations were arranged informally or through a supervisor. The accommodations required were very or somewhat easy to arrange about half the time. Being female, having high symptom severity, and high level of current distress were associated with a need for more accommodations, difficulty implementing accommodations, and not asking for needed accommodations. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important information as to the types of accommodations that are necessary, common practices arranging for these, and level of difficulty arranging accommodations. Furthermore, characteristics associated with greater need for accommodation, reluctance to ask for them, and difficulty in arranging them were identified.
BACKGROUND & AIMS:People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often experience periods of illness that interfere with their ability to work. We aimed to understand the need for workplace accommodation during periods of acute illness among persons IBD. METHODS:Participants were recruited from the population-based University of Manitoba Research Registry and received a survey including questions assessing experiences with workplace accommodations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: A total of 1143 individuals responded to the survey (46% response rate), of whom 881 had experienced IBD symptoms in the workplace and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 48.3 years (standard deviation, 10.9); 61% were female. Mean IBD duration was 20.6 years (standard deviation, 10.5). Most respondents (73%) described IBD symptoms experienced in the workplace as severe to very severe. The most commonly required accommodations were time to go to medical appointments during working hours (81%), easy access to a toilet (71%), and a chance to take a break when not feeling well (54%). Most accommodations were arranged informally or through a supervisor. The accommodations required were very or somewhat easy to arrange about half the time. Being female, having high symptom severity, and high level of current distress were associated with a need for more accommodations, difficulty implementing accommodations, and not asking for needed accommodations. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important information as to the types of accommodations that are necessary, common practices arranging for these, and level of difficulty arranging accommodations. Furthermore, characteristics associated with greater need for accommodation, reluctance to ask for them, and difficulty in arranging them were identified.
Authors: Emma Paulides; Richard B Gearry; Nanne K H de Boer; Chris J J Mulder; Charles N Bernstein; Andrew M McCombie Journal: Inflamm Intest Dis Date: 2019-01-03
Authors: Emma Paulides; Charlotte Daker; Chris Frampton; Richard B Gearry; Tim Eglinton; Nanne K H de Boer; Charles N Bernstein; Andrew M McCombie Journal: Inflamm Intest Dis Date: 2020-03-13
Authors: M Ellen Kuenzig; Lawrence Lee; Wael El-Matary; Adam V Weizman; Eric I Benchimol; Gilaad G Kaplan; Geoffrey C Nguyen; Charles N Bernstein; Alain Bitton; Kate Lee; Jane Cooke-Lauder; Sanjay K Murthy Journal: J Can Assoc Gastroenterol Date: 2018-11-02