The effects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on work related outcomes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Some studies suggest that COPD may affect work, however this relationship remains poorly understood. Various methods are used in this thesis to investigate the impact of COPD on employment and work productivity. Findings from the systematic review showed that patients with COPD had lower employment and higher sickness absence rates compared to those without COPD. From the cross-sectional analyses, breathlessness and occupational exposures to vapours, gases, dusts and fumes (VGDF) were identified as the main modifiable factors associated with unemployment and poor work productivity in COPD patients. Finally, few patients agreed to take part in the occupational intervention. Although most participating patients received a range of recommendations, these were not taken up by all. Potential benefits and suggestions for future occupational interventions were identified. This work confirms that having COPD adversely affects patients' rates of employment and work productivity. Future interventions should focus on managing breathlessness and reducing occupational exposures to VGDF to improve work ability and work productivity among patients with COPD. The development of novel interventions should draw upon lessons learned from the feasibility study reported in this thesis