Workplace Productivity Loss in Patients with Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis: Data from the ILD-PRO Registry

Purpose: Pulmonary fibrosis may impair an individual’s ability to work. We assessed the extent, cost and factors associated with workplace productivity loss among patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). Methods: The multi-center ILD-PRO Registry enrolled US patients with progressive interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Workplace productivity loss was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Associations between patient characteristics and workplace productivity loss among employed patients were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Among 175 employed patients of 597 who completed the WPAI questionnaire, 58.3% were female, median age was 58 years, median forced vital capacity (FVC) was 58.7% predicted; 20.0% used oxygen with activity and at rest. In the past 7 days, mean (SD) hours worked was 32.9 (15.8) and mean (SD) working hours lost was 10 (12). Mean (SD) percentage of working hours lost was 24.4 (30.2). Mean (SD) working hours lost due to absenteeism and presenteeism were 4 (9) and 8 (11), respectively. Among patients with any productivity loss, the estimated mean (SD) annual cost of productivity loss was $24,815 ($17,917). Lower FVC % predicted, higher (worse) St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire scores and lower (worse) Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire cough impact and symptoms scores were associated with greater odds of productivity loss. Conclusions: Patients with PPF showed significant impairment in workplace productivity. Worse lung function and worse scores on patient-reported outcomes were associated with a greater likelihood of productivity loss. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov; No: NCT01915511; registered August 5, 2013; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.