Work Experiences, Accommodations, and Information in the Context of Fibromyalgia: A Literature Review and Conceptual Synthesis

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges that individuals with fibromyalgia may experience in navigating the workplace. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, stiffness, sleep disruption, and other symptoms, without a well-defined underlying disease. At work, patients can struggle with various problems, including fluctuating symptoms, exhaustion, skepticism, questions about whether to disclose, and finding ways to adjust work situations. Individuals often lack information concerning how to manage their health, as well as different aspects of their lives, including work. Work accommodations such as extended health benefits, modified schedules, and work-at-home arrangements could help. However, individuals may need to learn how to advocate for themselves, which can include finding information on legal rights and accommodation options. Differences in information awareness and seeking skills can lead to inequities in the management of chronic health conditions in the workplace. We explore extant literature in three parts. First, we review research on the experience of work among individuals with fibromyalgia, and to a lesser extent, other conditions and disabilities. Then, we consider work accommodations, and third, we conclude with a conceptual synthesis. In our analysis, we first identify a need for clearer conceptualization of the role of information to facilitate workplace self-advocacy. Then, we identify gaps in the literature concerning information and information behavior related to work accommodations. Last, we emphasize the need for involvement of stakeholders over time. This paper may be of interest to researchers, health care providers, library and information science professionals, and health policy researchers striving to achieve health equity.