The Perspective of Pituitary Patients on Work According to the Expanded ICF Model: a Qualitative Study

Abstract Purpose: As the majority of patients with pituitary disease are of working age, their health situation may negatively impact their functioning at work. However, work participation can also be influenced by contextual (environmental and personal) factors. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the pituitary patients’ perspective on their functioning at work and on contextual factors contributing to work-related problems using the expanded International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focusing on contextual factors influencing work ability and experience, were conducted with eight patients with different types of pituitary adenomas (Cushing’s disease, prolactinoma, acromegaly, non-functioning adenoma). Following the steps of an experiential thematic analysis, forty categories were identified, which were organized into eleven themes according to the expanded ICF. Results: Patients reported various problems in work-related activities and work participation. Influencing environmental factors included type of employment, perceived job security, financial security, relationships with colleagues/managers, collaboration with others, physical vs. mental work, managing position, flexibility at work, corporate culture, and physical work environment (work-related), and traveling distance to work, financial savings, and (non)professional support (other environmental factors). Influencing personal factors included professional ambition, sense of duty, motivation, job satisfaction, feeling of fulfilment (work-related), and personality, acceptance, coping styles, and lifestyle (general personal factors). Conclusion: Patients with pituitary disease report several contextual factors that influence their functioning at work. Healthcare and occupational health professionals should be aware of these factors to improve patients’ well-being and functioning at work, ultimately aiming to improve quality of life.