Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology
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Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol · Jun 2015
ReviewRheumatoid arthritis and work: The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on absenteeism and presenteeism.
For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), being in paid work is very important, and it increases self-esteem and financial independence. Although the management of RA has changed in the last 15 years to early aggressive treatment and the introduction of biologic treatments, many patients still have to take sick leave or even stop working because of their RA (i.e., absenteeism). ⋯ However, there is no consensus on how to calculate these costs. This manuscript examines the relationship between the use of biologic therapy and absenteeism, with a focus on sick leave, and on presenteeism, and it provides an overview of indirect costs of absenteeism and presenteeism in those treated with biologic therapies.