To investigate the contribution of different socio-economic and clinical factors to absenteeism in the workplace in a population of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients currently in employment. A national retrospective survey was conducted in French RA patients (age <60, either employed or unemployed) recruited by rheumatologists or who were members of a patients’ association (ANDAR). Patient-reported outcomes, socio-economic characteristics and various measures of productivity loss were collected using structured telephone interviews. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the contributing factors to absenteeism. A sample of 503 patients agreed to participate, of which 488 were evaluable. 364 patients (74.6%) were in employment, 31 (6.4%) were unemployed and 93 (19.1%) were out of the labor market. Among the 364 patients currently in employment, 102 (28.0%), 138 (37.9%) and 124 (34.1%) were in ACR functional class of I, II and III/IV, respectively. The mean HAQ scores were 0.6, 1.4 and 1.5 (p<0.0001), and 2.9%, 16.7% and 29.0% (p<0.0001), respectively, had an occupational disability status. An overall proportion of 48.3% patients declared an RA associated work absence over the last year. This proportion increased from 28.4% in ACR I to 62% in ACR III/IV group, and from 7.8% to 31.4% (p<0.0001), respectively, for absence >1 month. Despite a high uptake of biologic agents (60.4%) among these patients, RA was active for a significant period of time; mean 2.2 (±3.2) months in ACR I group and 4.8 (±4.2) months in ACR III/IV group. Regression analyses suggested that ACR functional class and frequencies and duration of flares were the major factors contributing to absenteeism, far ahead of any other socio-economic characteristics. Loss of productivity due to RA could be further reduced through better control of disease activity.

OBJECTIVE:To assess the interest of a personal digital assistant (PDA) when used as data collector in a prospective survey on pain in general practice.METHODS:Prospective, multicentre and national survey concerning the identification of 4g/24h paracetamol prescription conditions as well as the characterization of the pain justifying it. Data were collected with a dedicated PDA including an electronic visual analogue scale (VAS). It also included a data controlling program of probability, consistency, date recording and time of data entry.RESULTS:3.196 patients were enrolled by 830 general practitioners (GPs). For 1.066 of them enrolled by 277 GPs, the consistency analysis showed an a posteriori data entry. However, for assessment of pain intensity using the VAS, the physical presence of the patient is mandatory because self-evaluation is the rule.CONCLUSION:The use of an electronic questionnaire permits the collection of good quality data and the possibility of a posteriori control and hence the identification of breaches in clinical trial protocols.