Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Five million people in England have a long-term health condition (LHC) including musculoskeletal (MSK) and mental health disorders (i.e. stress, depression and anxiety). A majority of LHCs are acquired at working age yet employment rates of those with an LHC are persistently low. Having quality employment is vital for the health and wellbeing of people, keeping people healthy and productive at work for longer is important. Whilst research has focused on issues around workers with LHCs, little research has examined contextual factors of work, dynamics of workplace relationships, mechanisms of support and its influence on employees’ self-management activities. We identify the workplace self-management support needs of employees with an LHC, and workplace dynamics that empower people to manage their LHC in work. It is hypothesised that poor psychosocial working conditions will be related to low patient activation, and higher risks of poor self-management at work. The research adopts a purposeful sampling approach recruiting employed, working participants with a minimum of one diagnosed LHC. The research is made up of four studies including: an employee survey utilising the Patient Activation Measure (PAM®) and UK Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool (MSIT); a longitudinal employee 10-week diary study and; an employer semi-structured and employee narrative interview study. Seven hundred participants took part in study 1, 44% (n=306) report at least one diagnosed LHC. Mental health (n=108) and musculoskeletal (n=83) disorders are most prevalent in the group. Findings to date and a study summary will be presented.