What does this mean for my job, doctor? A systematic review of work-related outcomes following surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC)

Abstract

Background: Following a subtotal colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC), patients may opt to live with a permanent ileostomy or explore restorative options, such as an ileo-anal pouch (IPAA) or an ileo-rectal anastomosis (IRA). Studies may assess work and employment-related outcomes by using validated quality of life (QoL) instruments, such as the SF-36 and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), or by reporting on a variety of other work-related outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise work-related outcomes, after surgery for UC. Method(s): The systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42024614534) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they were reporting on any work-related outcome, following any type of surgery for UC, in adult populations. Result(s): Initial search returned 1586 studies, and after title, abstract and full-text screening, 139 studies were included for data extraction. A total of 63/139 studies reported on the relevant subscales of a validated questionnaire, with 41 studies reporting on the SF-36, 14 on the social function scale of the IBDQ, and 9 on the social handicap subscale of the Oresland score. A total of 74 studies reported on other outcomes, such as work restrictions, employment rates/ status, disability pensions and benefits. Five studies reported on outcomes of qualitative interviews. Conclusion(s): This systematic review demonstrates significant heterogeneity in the measurement of work-related outcomes, following surgery for UC, as well as a lack of in-depth understanding of the work life experiences of such patients, justifying the need for further research.