Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western
Ontario, London, ON, Canada. Canadian Pain Coalition, Kitchener, ON,
Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lynn Shaw, School of Occupational
Therapy, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada. Tel.:
+1 519 661 2111 x 88971; Fax: +1 519 661 3174; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this review was to understand and synthesize
the realm of knowledge on intermittent work capacity (IWC) about strategies to
support work sustainability. Specifically, this review focused on literature
that examined productive work with individuals who have chronic pain due to
Fibromyalgia, Breast Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and Human Immunodeficiency
Virus. Methods: A scoping review of research conducted across 10 databases.
Nature of the knowledge base on return to work barriers and strategies and
future recommended strategies needed to support persons with IWC in maintaining
work participation were charted and thematically analyzed and organized into
micro, meso and macro categories. Results: Majority of the knowledge base reflects factors impeding
and facilitating employment or re-employment at the micro level. At the micro
level, self advocacy was a strategy that persons with IWC used to maintain
employment and navigate stigmatizing work environments to meet their needs. At
the meso level education and knowledge sharing with employers to increase
awareness was underscored; at the macro level introduction of new policies was
recommended. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for future greater
examination of the dialectical relationships across micro, meso and macro level
strategies to overcome work disparities for persons with IWC.
Keywords: Work, fibromyalgia, breast cancer, MS, HIV
