Background The treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has improved over the last decades. However, patients are more vulnerable for sick leave, work disability and unemployment compared to the general population. It is therefore important to understand the magnitude of the problem and the factors that might affect work participation in patients with SLE, to evaluate which actions can be taken to limit the burden on a patient and society level. The aim of this research is to summarize the existing literature on 1) the prevalence of work disability, 2) prognostic factors for work participation and 3) the effectiveness of interventions to improve work participation in patients with SLE.

Methods A scoping review, using the PRISMA-ScR statement will be conducted. Full-text original articles published before April 2019 were identified by literature search performed in MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase and CINAHL. Articles in all languages, concerning work participation in patients with SLE, aged ≥18 years were included.

Results In total, 2050 non-duplicate citations were screened. After title/abstract screening, 75 articles were retrieved. Relevant articles will be identified and reference lists will be searched for additional articles by two independent researchers. Information on author(s), year of publication, study location, intervention type, comparator, duration of the intervention, study population, aims of the study, methodology, outcome measures and important results will be collected. The results will be presented at the congress.

Conclusion Based on this scoping review, implications for future research including a research agenda and daily practice will be identified.