MS@Work: the development of a MS Toolkit for a stable employment

Abstract

Introduction: With over 12,000 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients in Belgium, the decline in workforce participation from 60-90% at diagnosis to 30% after ten years is a pressing concern. High unemployment rates are influenced by the complex interplay of health status, work environment, job requirements, and personal factors. Stable, long-term employment positively impacts MS patients' well-being, disease management, and overall quality of life. In contrast, job loss or an uncertain professional future adversely affects health. This highlights the need for targeted interventions. Therefore, in the first place, we aim to investigate the opportunities and bottlenecks on the work floor for persons with MS in Flanders. In the second place, based on these results, we want to develop a MS Toolkit with several aids for persons with MS and their network to help them gain a sustainable employment.