Cystic fibrosis and the workplace: A review of the literature

Objective: To perform a comprehensive literature review pertaining to cystic fibrosis (CF) and employment. Methods: We performed extensive searches of the PubMed and the EBSCOhost electronic databases to discover articles pertaining to CF and employment. Results: Nine journal articles published between 1979 and 2009 pertaining to CF and employment aspects were reviewed and analyzed. Strengths and limitations of the studies are discussed and recommendations for future research are provided. Conclusions: There is limited psychosocial research in the area of CF and its employment aspects. The findings from this literature review indicate that maintaining employment depends on multiple variables. Further research on CF and employment is necessary to improve vocational outcomes. Understanding the interplay of CF and employment informs the rehabilitation knowledge base and is essential in order for professionals involved in employment outcomes such as rehabilitation counselors to deliver vocational services.