The problem and cost of health related worklessness

THE PROBLEM AND COST OF HEALTH RELATED WORKLESSNESS

Presenter: Schofield D

Chronic pain and disability can have devastating health impacts on

patients. However, the extent of the impacts of chronic pain and disability

are often overlooked. These include loss of income for those who can no

longer work, risk of poverty, reduced capacity to save and reduced income

in retirement. For government the costs include reduced taxation revenue

and additional welfare payments. Effective interventions may not only

reduce the health impacts of chronic pain and disability, but also have

significant economic benefits. Examples of the potential economic benefits

of investing in chronic pain management will be presented.