Piloting an email-based resource package for job seekers with multiple sclerosis
Creators: name: Dorstyn, Diana
name: Roberts, Rachel
name: Murphy, Gregory
name: Kneebone, Ian
name: Migliorini, Christine
name: Craig, Ashley
name: Hutchinson, Claire
name: Field, Deborah
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2016
Subjects: subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: 69999 Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Science Policy

description: <b>Purpose</b>: Media-based rehabilitation provides a powerful opportunity to examine vocational behaviors in the disability sector. However, this research is preliminary at best. This paper reports pilot data. <b>Method</b>: Eighteen adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) accessed an email-delivered, resource-based package, <i>Work and MS.</i> Pre- and post-access vocational self-efficacy and identity <i>(Job-Procurement Self Efficacy Scale, My Vocational Situation Scale- primary outcomes),</i> life orientation and depressed mood (<i>Life Orientation Test – revised</i> and <i>Patient Health Questionnaire-9 – secondary outcomes)</i> were assessed. Pre- and post-change scores were examined with Wilcoxon signed ranks tests and Hedges <i>g</i> effect sizes with associated 95% confidence intervals. Reliable change analyses were additionally calculated to determine the clinical significance of individual change scores. <b>Results</b>: Significant and positive effects were reported for vocational self-efficacy, identity, and optimism. Reliable change scores in one or more of these key outcomes were reported by 30% of the sample. Satisfaction with the content and delivery of the email-based intervention was also noted. <b>Conclusions</b>: Preliminary evidence suggests that <i>Work and MS</i> can help to promote vocational goals, interests and strengths among job seekers with a disability by providing a set of tools, information and linkages relating to vocational pursuits and career development. Replication with a randomized control design is indicated. Implications for RehabilitationResearch indicates a high unemployment rate among working-age adults with MS.A combination of disease-specific, psychological, programmatic and societal variables contribute to employment instability in this group.This pilot study demonstrates that an e-mail-based resource package, <i>Work and MS</i>, provides an innovative and feasible option for promoting consumer engagement with vocational services and, potentially, improving vocational outcomes.<i>Work and MS</i> has potential applicability to other disability groups. Research indicates a high unemployment rate among working-age adults with MS. A combination of disease-specific, psychological, programmatic and societal variables contribute to employment instability in this group. This pilot study demonstrates that an e-mail-based resource package, <i>Work and MS</i>, provides an innovative and feasible option for promoting consumer engagement with vocational services and, potentially, improving vocational outcomes. <i>Work and MS</i> has potential applicability to other disability groups.