Vocational rehabilitation program for people with inflammatory arthritis

WORK-ON - Vocational Rehabilitation for People with Chronic Inflammatory Arthritis - a Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The Danish Center for Expertise in Rheumatology · NCT06299917

This study is testing a new program to help people with inflammatory arthritis stay employed and improve their quality of life compared to those getting regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Danish Center for Expertise in Rheumatology Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sønderborg)
Trial IDNCT06299917 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program aims to support individuals with chronic inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis, in maintaining their work ability. It involves a 6-month vocational rehabilitation approach called WORK-ON, which includes an initial assessment by an occupational therapist, group sessions with peers, and individual sessions with healthcare professionals. The study will compare the efficacy of this program against a control group receiving standard care to determine its impact on work ability and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or axial spondyloarthritis who are currently employed or studying.

Not a fit: Patients who are undergoing significant changes in their pharmacological treatment or have other morbidities affecting work ability may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve work retention and quality of life for patients with inflammatory arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that tailored vocational rehabilitation strategies can positively impact job retention and work ability in similar patient populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-65 years.
* Diagnosed with RA, PsA or axSpA by a rheumatologist.
* Undertakes paid work (full- or part-time work or studying).
* Able to read and understand Danish.
* Answers 'unlikely' or 'not certain' to question #6 from the WAI questionnaire: 'Do you believe, according to your present state of health, that you will be able to do your current job two years from now?' (36).
* Willing to participate in an RCT of the modified WORK-ON VR.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Planned or present adjustments of the pharmacological anti-rheumatic treatment (DMARDs, glucocorticoid) within the last three months.
* Presence of morbidities other than IA that may explain reduced work ability.
* Is under examination for comorbidities that influence work ability.
* Major surgery was conducted within the past six months, or a surgery has been planned.
* Is unable to understand or speak Danish at a sufficient level to participate.
* Has cognitive or psychological impairments that may affect participation.
* Planned or ongoing participation in another rehabilitation program (apart from physiotherapy).
* Has participated in the WORK-ON feasibility study.
* Retirement application process is ongoing or plans to retire within the next five years.
* Has taken long-term sick leave (\>4 weeks).

Where this trial is running

Sønderborg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rheumatoid ArthritisPsoriatic ArthritisAxial Spondyloarthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.