Vocational rehabilitation services for people with multiple sclerosis: what patients want from clinicians and employers

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1183-1189 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Sweetland ◽  
A. Riazi ◽  
S.J. Cano ◽  
E.D. Playford

Background The NSF for Long-term Neurological Conditions highlights the need for vocational rehabilitation services. Although the barriers to work for people with MS (pwMS) have been clearly identified, there has been little research that identifies the type of support required. Objective To identify what pwMS require from a vocational rehabilitation service in terms of content and service delivery. Design of study Four focus groups of pwMS, currently in employment, were convened. These were audio-taped and content analysed using a constant comparison method. Results People with MS identified two key needs; managing performance and managing expectations. Performance difficulties could be managed either by treating symptoms, by changing the environment, or by altering the demands of the job. PwMS highlighted the need for counselling to help them, and advocacy to help their employers have appropriate expectations. Conclusion PwMS need support in the workplace in two distinct ways. First, by managing the interaction between the impairments caused by MS, the physical environment, and the demands imposed by the work. Second, by providing expert knowledge about the employment environment and the needs of employers, an awareness of the relevant legislation and counselling in supporting people to adapt, adjust and resolve complex issues. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1183—1189. http://msj.sagepub.com

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 337-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Hayward ◽  
Bilal A Mateen ◽  
E Diane Playford ◽  
Gail Eva

Introduction This study aimed to understand existing vocational rehabilitation service provision in one locality in London (population 3.74 million), identify any gaps and explore reasons for this, to support service development. Method Using soft systems methodology to guide the research process, semi-structured interviews were completed with nine participants, who were clinicians and managers providing vocational rehabilitation within a National Health Service context. Data were analysed thematically to build a ‘rich picture’ and develop a conceptual model of vocational rehabilitation service delivery. Findings were then ratified with participants at an engagement event. Results The findings indicate a spectrum of vocational rehabilitation service provision for long-term neurological conditions with differing levels of funding in place. Vocational rehabilitation often takes place ‘under the radar’ and therefore the true vocational rehabilitation needs of this population, and the extent of service provision, is not known. There is inconsistency of understanding across the services as to what constitutes vocational rehabilitation and outcomes are not routinely measured. Conclusion For vocational rehabilitation services to develop they require appropriate funding, driven by government policy to commissioners. Clear definitions of vocational rehabilitation, collecting and sharing outcome data and effective communication across services are needed at a local level. This is expressed in a conceptual model of vocational rehabilitation service delivery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-30
Author(s):  
Phillip D. Rumrill ◽  
David R. Strauser ◽  
Chelsea Greco ◽  
Mykal J. Leslie

This article presents the Illinois Work and Well-Being Model (IW2M) as a framework that can be applied to facilitate vocational rehabilitation interventions for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The model encompasses the interaction of contextual and career development domains to improve participation in the areas of work, society, community, and home. A discussion of the model's implications regarding vocational rehabilitation service and research is offered, with the overall goal of reinforcing career development as the foundation of vocational rehabilitation services for people with RA and other emerging age-related disabling conditions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanette McLennan ◽  
Natalie Taylor ◽  
Amanda Rachow ◽  
Grant South ◽  
Kelsey Chapman

This article reviews the research evidence on vocational rehabilitation services and rehabilitation counselling practice with Indigenous Australians. It applied a context sensitive, cultural safety and reflexivity approach to construct salient themes from the research evidence. Findings suggest Indigenous Australians with disabilities experience significant ‘double-disadvantage’, and that vocational rehabilitation service providers lack the knowledge and skills in culturally safe practice in order to enhance the opportunities for social and economic inclusion of Indigenous Australians. A whole-of-profession approach, incorporating and ensuring Indigenous client equity and cultural safety in vocational rehabilitation, is critically and urgently needed.


2010 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawna M. Thomas ◽  
William Sanchez ◽  
M. Joanne Maniche

Although Cape Verdeans have a long history in the U.S., members of this community with disabilities continue to be underserved and culturally misunderstood by vocational rehabilitation service providers. This article discusses how Cape Verdeans with disabilities and their families perceive the concept of disability and how that perception may differ from views held by mainstream service providers. The article also outlines some of the barriers to the provision of services and provides recommendations for enhancing culturally-relevant service delivery.


1996 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-44
Author(s):  
Reginald L. Gibbs ◽  
John M. Dodd ◽  
Anton Hecimovic ◽  
Elia Nickoloff

Rising health care insurance premiums have forced many businesses and institutions to examine cost-cutting measures to lower health care costs. Managed care is one measure that has become widespread throughout the United States. The problem was to learn how managed care administrators view the role and purpose of vocational rehabilitation services in their organizations and if these services will lower short-term and long-term use. A survey was sent to the administrators of fifty managed care organizations in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Twenty of the fifty administrators responded to the survey. Results show that only one of the managed care organizations offered vocational rehabilitation services to their enrollees. The results also show that three responded that short-term use and ten responded that long-term use of managed care programs would be reduced if vocational rehabilitation services were offered.


2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 1655-1664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung-Yi Chiu ◽  
Fong Chan ◽  
Malachy Bishop ◽  
Elizabeth da Silva Cardoso ◽  
John O’Neill

Background: Obtaining and maintaining suitable employment can be a significant challenge for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The objective of this article is to identify what vocational rehabilitation (VR) services helped MS clients obtain and maintain employment, after controlling for the effect of demographic covariates and disability-related government benefits. Methods: We retrieved data from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) 911 database in the fiscal year (FY) 2009, and used VR services as predictors to predict employment outcomes of people with MS by hierarchical logistic regression. Results: A total of 924 out of 1920 MS clients (48.1%) were successfully employed after receiving VR services. Logistic regression analysis results indicated that cash benefits (OR =0.51, p < 0.001) and public medical benefits (OR =0.76, p < 0.01) were negatively associated with employment outcomes, whereas counseling and guidance (OR = 1.68, p < 0.001), job placement assistance (OR = 2.43, p < 0.001), on-the-job supports (OR = 1.62, p < 0.01), maintenance services (OR = 1.59, p < 0.01), and assistive technology services (OR =2.09, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of positive employment outcomes. Conclusion: VR services were found to be associated with employment status. MS patients experiencing problems obtaining or maintaining employment should be encouraged to pursue services from state VR agencies.


2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda E. Young ◽  
Gregory C. Murphy

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has a dramatic effect on the lives of those affected. As those injured are typically relatively young adults, the interruption to careers and vocational plans is often significant. While return to work following SCI has been well investigated, little is known about the process by which people regain employment post-injury. This investigation aimed to study participants' perceptions regarding the adequacy of the vocational rehabilitation services they received. Data was collected through personal interview with 168 persons with a SCI who were employed at the time of their injury. Participants were asked if they believed they could have been assisted by additional services provided with the aim of facilitating their return-to-work attempts. More than half of the participants believed they would have benefited from additional services. The most commonly requested additional services were: more discussion of vocational options and alternatives, and the timely follow-up of vocational issues. Analysis of subgroup differences indicated that rural-based study participants had clear and precise ideas for how vocational rehabilitation services might be improved.


2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy N. Tansey ◽  
David Strauser ◽  
Michael P. Frain ◽  
Malachy Bishop ◽  
Chung-Yi Chiu ◽  
...  

The experience of living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can have a profound effect on employment. The impact of MS is a complex interaction of personal, medical, functional, financial, and psychosocial variables that ultimately results in up to 80% of persons with MS leaving their jobs within 10 years of their diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the employment status of applicants with MS who were seeking services from state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies could be classified based on the type of services provided. A quantitative descriptive research design employing discriminant analysis (DA) was used to determine differential services received by employed and unemployed applicants with MS. Findings indicate that persons with MS who were employed at application were more likely to receive services geared toward career stabilization (i.e., assistive technology/accommodation services, counseling and guidance, and cognitive retraining-type rehabilitative services). Conversely, the unemployed applicant group had a higher propensity to receive services focused on job placement (i.e., job readiness, job seeking, and job placement services). Although a disparity persisted between the average worker in the United States and the outcomes achieved by VR service recipients regarding weekly wages and hours, services provided by the state-federal VR program reduce this disparity. In addition, the return on investment (ROI) associated with providing services to persons with MS was calculated as providing an $8 return for every dollar spent. Persons with MS employed at application had an ROI of more than $10 for every dollar spent. Implications for persons with MS, rehabilitation counselors, health care professionals, and policymakers are provided.


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