P047 Experiences of working with early inflammatory arthritis: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract Background/Aims Work instability and work disability are common consequences of inflammatory arthritis with 40% people rheumatoid in Ireland leaving the workforce first five-years diagnosis. Although medical drug therapy advances have significantly decreased disease activity absenteeism, loss among employees remains high retaining ability a challenge. EULAR self-management recommendations for those specifically highlight need to address issues as part routine clinical care successfully support retention. Current Irish work-based services suboptimal could be augmented by an improved understanding challenges associated working clients’ priorities interventions early disease. The aim this study was describe impact on participation. Methods design employed Qualitative Descriptive (QD) framework guided COREQ criteria designing reporting qualitative studies. Thirty individuals (24 women) age (age 18-69 years) (<2 years duration) who were paid employment or fulltime education interviewed using one-off semi-structured interviews. Data analysed thematic analysis. Results Half participants (n = 15) reported within two-years post Physical psychosocial sequelae negatively impacting capacity. Prioritisation above all other life roles widely synonymous internalised anxiety worry reflecting invisible burden maintaining whilst concurrently adjusting Fear, forced reconstructed future influenced participation perceived Disclosure diagnosis trajectory identified sensitive issue. Most preconceived ideas negative results disclosure further adding worry. However, positive outcomes capacity sustained working. As such, is required reduce premature cessation arthritis. Conclusion scale appears higher than previously understood. intervention has management, significant restrictions remain. Exploring subjective experience fundamental when identifying should inform type required. While environment fear, influential supporting retain Internalised work-related anxieties present acknowledged addressed healthcare providers avoid disability. Y. Codd: None. Á. Coe: D. Kane: R.H. Mullan: T. Stapleton: