To use a novel method of estimating income loss associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
For the 26 RA patients (16 female and 10 male, mean age 52.77 yrs) participating in our study, job histories were used to estimate earning potential based on the United States Department of Labor job analysis. To estimate current function, work samples were performed using the Valpar Instrument Battery. The tests include measures of motor coordination, finger dexterity, and manual dexterity. Databases were used to estimate current earning potential on the basis of these performance measures.
Estimated earnings decreased from $18,409 to $13,900 per yr. Furthermore, it was estimated that the number of jobs patients could perform dropped from 11.5 million to 2.6 million.
These preliminary estimates suggest that RA causes significant reductions in earning potential and in the number of jobs that can be performed. This methodology, using a small sample of patients, produced results consistent with larger population studies.