Disclosing a Diagnosis in the Workplace: Perspective of People With Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Gill ◽  
Sinéad M. Hynes
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Workplace Relationships ◽  
Topic Guide ◽  
Employment Retention ◽  
Home Life ◽  
Early Withdrawal ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

Background: Early withdrawal from the workforce is associated with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), with employment retention rates also lower than in the general population. Despite legal requirements, equality in the workplace for people with MS has not been achieved. Disclosure of multiple sclerosis at work is essential for the implementation of accommodations enabling employment retention. Method: An interpretive descriptive study explored participants’ decision to disclose or not disclose their diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and the implications this had on work participation and working relationships. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data from 6 participants. Results: Three themes were identified, using a reflective approach to analysis, from the data: (a) Accommodations; (b) Workplace Relationships; and (c) Balancing Work and Home Life. Participants had mixed experiences of disclosing their diagnosis. Findings supported the implementation of workplace accommodations including physical, cognitive, and structural supports. Concealment of MS was associated with fear of workplace stigmatisation. Conclusion: Disclosure is multidimensional and subjective. It is based on personal, systematic, and social factors. This study was limited by the small number of participants and not including stakeholders in the creation of the topic guide. The results are important for those involved in supporting people with multiple sclerosis to remain in the workplace.

Charity Sport Event Sponsorship as Value Creation Strategy: An Event Participant Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
David Fechner ◽  
Kevin Filo ◽  
Sacha Reid ◽  
Robyn Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Internet Service Provider ◽  
Sport Event ◽  
Internet Service ◽  
Creation Process ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Sport Events ◽  
Value Creation Process

Sponsoring charity sport events (CSEs) represents an opportunity for businesses to achieve a variety of marketing objectives. Event sponsors need to promote their brand in an authentic manner because CSE participants may be skeptical of the sponsor if they believe the organization is supporting the event solely for commercial purposes. The current research examines the perceptions that CSE participants have for a sponsor’s contribution to the value creation process of the event. Semistructured interviews (N = 17) were conducted with MS (multiple sclerosis) Moonlight Walk 2018 participants to explore how this key stakeholder perceives the contribution of the sponsor (Harbour ISP [Internet service provider]) in the event experience. Five themes were uncovered: raising CSE awareness, cultivating a fundraising network, engaging authentically, celebrating constituents, and providing operational support. Building on the findings of this research, CSE managers and sponsors should work to share the story behind their partnership while integrating event participants in the development of the sponsorship program.

UAE study of student-mothers highlights importance of mentoring and time management for successful internships

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 33-35
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Content Type ◽  
College Life ◽  
Home Life ◽  
Student Mothers ◽  
Local Schools

Purpose The purpose was to find out the experiences of student mothers on internships and assess how best to make the process go as well as possible. Design/methodology/approach The author interviewed student mothers in the UAE enrolled on full-time four-year degree courses. The 12-week internships in local schools were part of their final year and had just been completed. The interviews lasted 30 minutes and were transcribed, then analysed for common themes. Findings The biggest factor in a successful experience was time management, which allowed mothers to balance work and home life demands. All 10 students found work placements to be more challenging than college life because of the less relaxed atmosphere, greater accountability and lack of familiarity. The study also highlighted the importance of both mentoring and peer support. Originality/value The research was important because successful internships improve retention rates. In the UAE, especially, national teachers are highly sought after for their similar cultural backgrounds, religious understanding and ability to role-model bilingualism.

Urinary Incontinence and Unemployment in People With Multiple Sclerosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 143-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Wollin RN ◽  
Nancy Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Job Loss ◽  
Bladder Function ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Urinary Leakage ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Simple Question ◽  
Detailed Assessment

This article presents an important finding identified when establishing the validity and reliability of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disability Profile. The research found that the intermittent use of pads to manage urinary incontinence was linked to unemployment, particularly in women with MS. A total of 103 participants completed a survey and participated in semistructured interviews. Urinary incontinence in people with MS is common, with reports of 89%. Twenty percent of the participants in the current study used pads to manage urinary leakage. Response to the question, “Do you use any appliances to assist with bladder function/control?” indicated that intermittent pad use was a precursor to unemployment and is offered as an important indicator of impending unemployment in people with MS. This simple question could be used by clinicians to identify the need for more detailed assessment and appropriate interventions to optimize the management of urinary incontinence, thereby reducing the risk of job loss related to incontinence.

Factors Related to Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Stewart ◽  
Zung Vu Tran ◽  
Allen Bowling
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Passive Cooling ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Home Life ◽  
Medication Side

Fatigue is a common symptom among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). An anonymous Web-based survey of people with MS by self-report was conducted, and 2439 responses were obtained. Among respondents, 64% reported fatigue that interfered with social, work, or home life on at least half of all days for at least 6 weeks. Significant fatigue cofactors were identified by 74% of respondents reporting fatigue who received regular medical care, including depression (44%), sleep problems (25%), ambulation difficulties (22%), a demanding lifestyle (20%), other medical comorbidities (14%), and medication side effects (8%). Those not reporting significant fatigue cofactors (26%) were considered to have primary MS-related fatigue, and the following interventions were reported to be helpful by those who had tried them: modafinil (84%), passive cooling techniques (80%), energy conservation strategies (75%), amantadine (61%), exercise (58%), yoga (57%), caffeine (47%), vitamin B complex (40%), and vitamin B12 (36%).

scholarly journals Biopsychosocial implications of living with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049041
Author(s):  
Seada A Kassie ◽  
Jannat Alia ◽  
Lynda Hyland
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Biopsychosocial Model ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Illness Management ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated to affect 2.8 million people worldwide, with increasing prevalence in all world regions (Walton et al). While there is no cure for MS, medication and lifestyle modifications can slow disease progression and enhance patients’ quality of life. The biopsychosocial model of health recognises important interactions among biological, psychological and social factors in illness, including those relating to illness management, which contribute to the experience of those diagnosed with MS.ObjectiveThis qualitative, idiographic study aimed to explore the lived experiences of patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) diagnosed with S.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight patients with MS ranging in age from 25 to 56 years. All participants were residing in the UAE at the time of data collection. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsThree superordinate themes were identified from patients’ candid accounts of their lives with MS, highlighting issues of illness management, acceptance and gratitude, and adaptive coping. These themes broadly illustrate biological, psychological and social aspects of patients’ MS experiences.ConclusionThe study emphasised the importance of adopting the biopsychosocial model to treat and manage MS. Additionally, it highlights the need for routine assessment and early, multidimensional approach with multidisciplinary team efforts to improve patients’ quality of life.

“How Come You Sent Me the Canadian One?” Application and Uptake of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis in the United States

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Whitney N. Neal ◽  
Emma Richardson ◽  
Robert W. Motl
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Exercise Behavior ◽  
Dissemination And Implementation ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

The uptake and benefits of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (PAGs) have been validated, but there is limited understanding regarding the knowledge, needs, and preferences of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) for implementing the PAGs outside of clinical research. The authors conducted online, semistructured interviews with 40 persons with MS from across the United States seeking information on awareness of and potential approaches for increasing the uptake of the PAGs. They identified first impressions and potential approaches for increasing the uptake of the PAGs through inductive, semantic thematic analysis. Participants perceived the PAGs as a good introduction for structured exercise but desired more information on how to meet the PAGs. Participants further believed that modifying the PAGs for inclusivity and applying a multifaceted approach for dissemination and implementation may increase uptake of exercise behavior. Physical activity research in MS should include both analyzing the effects of exercise and the unique challenges faced by persons with MS in putting the PAGs into practice.

scholarly journals Seven features of safety in maternity units: a framework based on multisite ethnography and stakeholder consultation

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjqs-2020-010988
Author(s):  
Elisa Giulia Liberati ◽  
Carolyn Tarrant ◽  
Janet Willars ◽  
Tim Draycott ◽  
Cathy Winter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Formal Training ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Multiple Forms ◽  
Stakeholder Consultation ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Sensing Systems ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Multisite Ethnography

BackgroundReducing avoidable harm in maternity services is a priority globally. As well as learning from mistakes, it is important to produce rigorous descriptions of ‘what good looks like’.ObjectiveWe aimed to characterise features of safety in maternity units and to generate a plain language framework that could be used to guide learning and improvement.MethodsWe conducted a multisite ethnography involving 401 hours of non-participant observations 33 semistructured interviews with staff across six maternity units, and a stakeholder consultation involving 65 semistructured telephone interviews and one focus group.ResultsWe identified seven features of safety in maternity units and summarised them into a framework, named For Us (For Unit Safety). The features include: (1) commitment to safety and improvement at all levels, with everyone involved; (2) technical competence, supported by formal training and informal learning; (3) teamwork, cooperation and positive working relationships; (4) constant reinforcing of safe, ethical and respectful behaviours; (5) multiple problem-sensing systems, used as basis of action; (6) systems and processes designed for safety, and regularly reviewed and optimised; (7) effective coordination and ability to mobilise quickly. These features appear to have a synergistic character, such that each feature is necessary but not sufficient on its own: the features operate in concert through multiple forms of feedback and amplification.ConclusionsThis large qualitative study has enabled the generation of a new plain language framework—For Us—that identifies the behaviours and practices that appear to be features of safe care in hospital-based maternity units.

scholarly journals P15-16. Social factors affecting retention rates in Step study participants in Lima-Peru

Retrovirology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (S3) ◽  
Author(s):  
MD Fernandez-Maldonado ◽  
P Segura ◽  
JR Lama ◽  
J Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Social Factors ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Step Study

scholarly journals Comparative Studying of Cognitive, Emotional and Social factors in the Psychological Problems of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy People

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emrah Tajoddini ◽  
Firouzeh Sepehrianazar ◽  
Esmail Soleymani ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Psychological Problems ◽  
Healthy People
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