Characteristics of suitable work from the perspective of patients with fibromyalgia.

Objectives: The evaluation of work ability of patients with FM is difficult. Our aim was to investigate the characteristics of suitable work from the perspective of patients with FM.

Methods: Interviews with patients yielded statements about characteristics of suitable work. Patients individually sorted these statements according to similarity. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to these sortings.

Results: The hierarchical structure included 74 characteristics of suitable work. The 10 clusters at the lowest level included (i) recovery opportunities, (ii) pace of work, (iii) not too high workload, (iv) keeping energy for home and free time, (v) match between work and capabilities, (vi) development opportunities, (vii) understanding from colleagues, (viii) help from colleagues, (ix) support from management and (x) work agreements with management.

Conclusions: According to patients with FM, suitable work is paced in such a way that one can perform the job well and with satisfaction while keeping energy for home and free time and having acknowledgement and help from management and colleagues. The brief suitable work checklist that is provided can help patients with FM to negotiate with employers and job professionals to improve the match between job demands and capabilities.