Sustain-WORK-ability

An invitation to members to participate in a PhD research study from Susan Somerville, Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholar (2025-2029) / Discipline of Occupational Therapy / School of Medicine 

Trinity College Dublin, +353 1 896 3210 frys@tcd.ie   www.tcd.ie

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This study focuses on developing a digital health intervention to support people living with arthritis to remain engaged in their work roles. The research aims to better understand the challenges individuals face in balancing arthritis and employment, and to explore supports that are practical, accessible, and meaningful.

The study is funded by Research Ireland and is being undertaken at Trinity College Dublin by myself as part of my PhD, under the supervision of Dr. Yvonne Codd (Trinity College Dublin) and Dr. Christina M.T. Madsen (Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Denmark). Ethical approval for this study has been granted by the Level 3 Research Ethics Committee Faculty of Health Sciences (approved 26/05/26 260508).

We are currently seeking health professionals to participate in focus groups exploring the impact of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis on work participation, and the potential role of digital health interventions in supporting individuals in their work roles. To find out more about the study or register your interest please visit the research project website: https://www.tcd.ie/medicine/occupational-therapy/our-research/research-projects/sustain-work-ability/

As your organisation represents professionals with valuable expertise and insight in this area, we would greatly appreciate your support in sharing the attached study poster with your members. Dissemination through your network would help us reach a broad and relevant audience. We have a short promotion video that gives some insight into the overall aim of the study here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oYaIVQiwoZSitqQlHiwVHUxC7X5cnjWy/view

Thank you very much for considering this request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.