Career interventions for people with non‑communicable diseases

Scientific publications by JACARDI

In this post series we share the scientific publications directly linked to the JACARDI project. All publications featured in this series are authored or co-authored by JACARDI partners and reflect research and findings developed within the project framework.  

We aim to showcase how evidence supports our joint mission to tackle cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe. 

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Keywords Non-communicable diseases · Career intervention · Inclusion · Work ability · Chronic diseases

Authors: Martina Lanza, Alessia Marcassoli, Leonardi Matilde ,Guastafierro Erika, Ewelina Chawłowska, Agnieszka Lipiak, Maria Nowosadko, Barbara Gawłowska, Fornari Arianna

Abstract:

Aim Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions associated with long duration and slow progress. Many working-age persons with chronic conditions face job-related difficulties. The aim of this scoping review is to provide evidence about career interventions implemented in Europe for people with non-communicable diseases.
Subject and methods Studies were searched using PubMed and Scopus electronic databases and the selection process followed the Population Concept Context framework. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of studies included. The search string was based on two main terms: “health condition” and “intervention in the labour setting”.
Studies conducted in European countries and published in English between 2020 and 2024 were included.
Results A total of 830 studies were screened and five were finally included. Quality assessment score ranged from 40 to 100%. Most of the studies describe interventions provided in clinical settings involving mainly healthcare professionals.
All included studies aimed to increase healthcare professionals’ knowledge on managing chronic diseases at work and/or to support patients’ return to work. However, no companies or employers were involved in the implementation strategies, highlighting an important gap in the application of interventions in a real-world context.
Conclusion The evidence on workplace interventions for workers with NCDs in Europe is very limited. Existing initiatives focus largely on healthcare-based approaches and professional training but without translation into real-world workplace contexts. Strengthening communication between healthcare systems, occupational health services, and business organizations is essential to develop and implement feasible interventions. As the number of working-age persons with non-communicable diseases is increasing and will probably increase in the future, supporting this group’s work ability constitutes an urgent public health challenge.

Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10389-025-02640-9