Work disability in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review protocol of contributing factors and return-to-work facilitators.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple body parts. With a fluctuating range of symptoms, SLE imposes significant challenges and limitations on individuals at work. The objective of this review is to synthesise the existing literature on work disability in patients with SLE and identify factors associated with work disability and facilitators of returning to work (RTW). This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251011567). This protocol followed the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols) guidelines. The search will be conducted using Business Source Premier, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science from inception to March 2025. At least two independent reviewers will complete screening, data extraction and critical appraisal. Eligible studies will focus on individuals with SLE and examine the barriers and facilitators to RTW. Eligible studies will be peer-reviewed, published in English or available in English translations. Unpublished research, opinion pieces, conference papers, abstracts, book chapters, knowledge syntheses, commentaries and grey literature will be excluded. This study does not require ethics approval. The results of the completed review will be published. CRD420251011567.