To examine the experiences of individuals with arthritis who participated in an occupational therapy led vocational rehabilitation program

Purpose: To examine the experiences of individuals with arthritis who participated in an Occupational Therapy led Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program in order to assist them to remain in or return to work/ education. Method: Five participants who took part in the Working with Arthritis (WWA) VR program were interviewed using semi-structured qualitative interviews. The interviews aimed to gain an insight into the participant’s experiences of the intervention and identify the aspects that they found most beneficial. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach was used for data analysis. Interviews were transcribed, data was analysed using Nvivo 8 software, and information was coded and developed into themes. Results: Participants positively evaluated their experience of taking part in the program. Five themes emerged from the data. These were (1) Experience of the therapeutic relationship with Occupational Therapist, (2) Positive experience of completing therapy in the home and receiving an individualised service, (3) Learning about their condition, self-management and services, (4) Experience/ participation was influenced by low expectations of return to work, (5) Occupational and other outcomes of participation in the programme. Conclusion: Participant’s experiences of the WWA program were positively evaluated. The therapeutic relationship with the therapist, the implementation of therapy in the home and the experience of learning self-management were particularly valued by the participants. Vocational outcomes of the study were limited, however many other occupational outcomes were reported including; improved time use, occupational participation and increased engagement in and awareness of services. This information could be used to inform further research in the development of interventions.