{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Development of a Job Retention Vocational Rehabilitation Intervention for People with Multiple Sclerosis Following the Person-Based Approach.
{Author}: De Dios Pérez B;das Nair R;Radford K;
{Journal}: Clin Rehabil
{Volume}: 38
{Issue}: 7
{Year}: 2024 Jul 28
{Factor}: 2.884
{DOI}: 10.1177/02692155241235956
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To describe the process of developing a job retention vocational rehabilitation intervention for people with multiple sclerosis.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We used the person-based approach, to develop interventions through an iterative process incorporating stakeholders' views, resulting in an intervention that is likely to be more acceptable, contextually relevant, and implementable for end-users. Phase 1 combined the results of a systematic review and interview study to develop the guiding principles and intervention logic model. Phase 2 involved conceptual testing and refining the intervention with stakeholder feedback. We present the final intervention following the template for intervention description and replication.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We recruited 20 participants for Phase 1 (10 people with multiple sclerosis, four employers, six healthcare professionals), and 10 stakeholders (three people with multiple sclerosis, seven healthcare professionals) for Phase 2 to contribute to the intervention refinement process.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Stakeholders described the need for an individually tailored intervention to support people with multiple sclerosis to manage symptoms and workplace relationships. A stepped-care approach and remote support were deemed essential. The resulting intervention involves an initial assessment of employment needs, vocational goal setting, up to 10 h of tailored support (e.g., reasonable adjustments, employer engagement, legal rights), and a final review to discuss future steps. People with multiple sclerosis can include their employer for advice to optimise the management of the employee with multiple sclerosis at work.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The person-based approach provided a rigorous framework to systematically understand the vocational needs of people with multiple sclerosis and develop a vocational rehabilitation intervention.