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Vocational integration for persons with mental handicaps: a cross-cultural perspective.

Descriptive information was presented which related to the vocational integration of persons with mental handicaps in five Western European countries. The investigator based his findings on a five-month visit to Denmark, Great Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and West Germany. Observations, interviews, and documents were synthesized to draw conclusions about employment programs. Inferences were made about the development of vocational models in these countries and the United States. Potential variables were identified which influence systems change toward integrated models of work.

Cross-Cultural Comparison↗

Initiating requests during community-based vocational training by students with mental retardation and sensory impairments.

Students with mental retardation and deafness or deaf-blindness often need some type of communication system to communicate effectively with communication partners during community-based vocational training. However, students may need specific training to learn how to initiate requests for items or assistance, a skill identified as critical for job success. Students were taught to initiate requests using dual communication boards and gestures. Data were recorded on student performance using a multiple-baseline probe design in which data were collected during baseline, intervention, and generalization phases. Students were able to initiate requests with 80% to 100% accuracy with the communication system at vocational sites. Training students to initiate requests may need to be targeted when students are first learning a job, as this is when most naturally occurring opportunities exist.

Adolescent↗

[Outcome of the Aquitaine Unit for Evaluation, Training and Social and Vocational Counselling (UEROS) at 5-year follow-up in young adults with brain damage].

INTRODUCTION: Difficulties in social and vocational adjustment are common in adults with brain damage. A French government-funded program, UEROS (Unit for Evaluation, Training and Social and Vocational Counselling), was developed to improve cognitive adjustment, social autonomy and return to work for these people. OBJECTIVES: To describe the outcome and satisfaction with life after 5 years for patients who participated in the UEROS-Aquitaine network program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: EBIS Document to evaluate people with traumatic brain injury. RESULTS: Seventy-five of the 102 patients participating in UEROS from 1997 to 1999 were assessed during a phone-structured interview based on the EBIS Document. The sample consisted of young adults (mean age 28.5 years), most (65, 85%) with brain injury and moderate disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale 2: 57%) or severe disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale 3: 42%). On entering the program, 33% of the subjects needed no help physically or cognitively. None were employed. At the end of the program, 9% were students or were learning a job, 8% worked full-time, 16% were in sheltered conditions, and 13% had volunteer activities. At 5-year follow-up, 50% of the subjects were independent, 4% were in school, 10.6% worked full-time, and 26.7% were in sheltered conditions. Playing sports was associated with good social adjustment. The professional status at 5 years was significantly correlated with following the UEROS program (r=0.30, P<0.01) and status at the end of the program (r=0.29, P<0.05). However, 41.3% of the subjects were still unsatisfied with their conditions of life. DISCUSSION-CONCLUSION: In patients with brain damage, the UEROS-Aquitaine network program improves independence in daily living and allows for nearly one inactive adult in two (42%) to be engaged in an activity or a job.

Adolescent↗

Gender-related individual differences and the structure of vocational interests: the importance of the people-things dimension.

In 3 studies (respective Ns = 289, 394, and 1,678), males and females were assessed on Big Five traits, masculine instrumentality (M), feminine expressiveness (F), gender diagnosticity (GD), and RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) vocational interest scales. Factor analyses of RIASEC scores consistently showed evidence for D.J. Prediger's (1982) People-Things and Ideas-Data dimensions, and participants' factor scores on these dimensions were computed. In all studies Big Five Openness was related to Ideas-Data but not to People-Things. Gender was strongly related to People-Things but not to Ideas-Data. Within each sex, GD correlated strongly with People-Things but not with Ideas-Data. M, F, and Big Five measures other than Openness tended not to correlate strongly with RIASEC scales or dimensions. The results suggest that gender and gender-related individual differences within the sexes are strongly linked to the People-Things dimension of vocational interests.

Adolescent↗

Vocational rehabilitation of drug abusers.

Employment has been identified as an important element in the rehabilitation of drug abusers and, together with abstinence from illicit drugs and criminal involvement, is frequently used as a criterion of treatment outcome. The research literature for the last 20 years on variables affecting employment and the vocational rehabilitation of drug abusers is reviewed with an emphasis on (a) the identification of variables influencing the employment of drug abusers and (b) the evaluation results of interventions that have been developed for this purpose. It is concluded that a number of programs have been demonstrated to have had some success in the vocational rehabilitation of drug abusers. Specific recommendations are made concerning both the direction of further research in this area and the application of existing knowledge in current practice.

Employment↗

Ethnographic findings from the Washington, D.C., Vocational Services Study.

Based on a 20-month period of participant observations and interviews of persons receiving services, employment specialists and clinicians, this ethnographic substudy identified and documented dilemmas encountered during implementation of an assertive, manualized supported employment program, Individual Placement and Support (IPS), situated in a Washington, D.C., community mental health organization that previously focused on clinical interventions but lacked vocational services. Those receiving services, primarily African Americans, had extensive histories of homelessness and dual diagnosis, and minimal work experiences. Real-world issues centered on conflicting expectations and priorities, diverse perceptions of the role of work, and difficulties in integrating vocational rehabilitation with clinical treatment.

Employment, Supported↗

Working toward recovery in New Hampshire: a study of modernized vocational rehabilitation from the viewpoint of the consumer.

Following the passage of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Amendments of 1992, vocational rehabilitation services offered by New Hampshire community mental health centers have striven collectively to streamline the efficiency of their interventions. Evolved versions of the two most frequently utilized modalities are compared, by measuring vocational satisfaction as it is rated by the perspective of the consumer. Both methods are found to be highly effective, but differ greatly in the nature of their impact and applicability. The strengths and weaknesses of each are identified in the context of psychiatric rehabilitation, and implications are presented for further research.

Adult↗

Vocational reintegration following spinal cord injury: expectations, participation and interventions.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey. OBJECTIVES: To explore the process of reintegration in paid work following a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), including the role of early expectations of individual patients regarding return to work, indicators of success of job reintegration and a description of reintegration interventions and barriers. SETTING: Dutch rehabilitation centre with special department for patients with spinal cord injuries. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of data gathered by a mailed questionnaire, which was returned by 57 persons (response 83%) with traumatic SCI, aged 18-60 years, and data of earlier expectations reported by the individual patients during the rehabilitation admission following SCI from 1990 to 1998. RESULTS: Of 49 respondents who were employed at the moment of the SCI, 45% expected to be able to resume work. These positive expectations were associated with a higher educational level. In 67%, return to work was successful. The chance to reintegrate successfully was better if the patient expected to resume work. Logistic regression analysis did not reveal other significant indicators. About one-third of the 49 respondents working preinjury followed vocational retraining, which was successful for most of them so far. In the majority of work situations modifications have been made, such as job adaptations and reduction of working hours. Several unmet needs regarding reintegration interventions were also reported. CONCLUSIONS: Positive expectations regarding resumption of work after a SCI are an important indicator of successful reintegration in work. An active role of the rehabilitation team is recommended in drawing up a vocational reintegration plan to prepare the patient, the employer and professionals involved in the reintegration process.

Adult↗

Participation and satisfaction after spinal cord injury: results of a vocational and leisure outcome study.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey. OBJECTIVES: Insight in (1) the changes in participation in vocational and leisure activities and (2) satisfaction with the current participation level of people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) after reintegration in society. DESIGN: Descriptive analysis of data from a questionnaire. SETTING: Rehabilitation centre with special department for patients with SCIs, Groningen, The Netherlands. SUBJECTS: A total of 57 patients with traumatic SCI living in the community, who were admitted to the rehabilitation centre two to 12 years before the current assessment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in participation in activities; current life satisfaction; support and unmet needs. RESULTS: Participation expressed in terms of hours spent on vocational and leisure activities changed to a great extent after the SCI. This was mainly determined by a large reduction of hours spent on paid work. While 60% of the respondents successfully reintegrated in work, many changes took place in the type and extent of the job. Loss of work was partially compensated with domestic and leisure activities. Sports activities were reduced substantially. The change in participation level and compensation for the lost working hours was not significantly associated with the level of SCI-specific health problems and disabilities. As was found in other studies, most respondents were satisfied with their lives. Determinants of a negative life satisfaction several years following SCI were not easily indicated. Reduced quality of life was particularly related to an unsatisfactory work and leisure situation. CONCLUSIONS: Most people with SCI in this study group were able to resume work and were satisfied with their work and leisure situation.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

[Neuropsychological testing in vocational rehabilitation for subjects with schizophrenia].

Until now it is difficult to predict the success of vocational rehabilitation programs for subjects with severe mental illnesses. The growing knowledge about the neuropsychological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders has not been fully integrated into psychiatric rehabilitation research. We reviewed the literature how to use neuropsychological parameters for predicting outcome of vocational rehabilitation programs in subjects with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Twenty studies were reviewed, which evaluated neuropsychological variables to predict dimensions of rehabilitation success. As a result of this review, we suggest implementing neurocognitive tests, which assess executive functions, working memory, and attention deficits in routine rehabilitation to better plan and coordinate rehabilitation, and to predict rehabilitation outcome.

Cognition↗

[Motivation for psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic treatment of vocational stresses -- development and validation of a questionnaire].

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of questionnaires assessing the motivation of inpatients to scrutinize occupational stresses and deal with them as part of their psychotherapeutic treatment. Work-related stress contributes significantly to the development of mental disorders. Vocational reintegration is an outcome criterion for the success of vocational rehabilitation. Patients are often not motivated for dealing with occupational stresses during inpatient medical rehabilitation. Therefore it is necessary to assess patient motivation at the beginning of treatment, in order to assign them to specific interventions, e. g. promoting motivation. METHOD: A questionnaire (Fragebogen zur berufsbezogenen Therapiemotivation -- FBTM) consisting of 84 items was developed, based on published questionnaires for psychotherapy motivation. 283 psychosomatic rehabilitation inpatients were administered the FBTM, subsequently analyzed by item and factor analyses. Based on a second sample (n = 282) confirmatory factor analyses and validation of the questionnaire were executed. RESULTS: Item and factor analyses revealed a four factor structure. 24 items constituted the subscales that could be described as "intention to change", "wish for pension", "negative treatment expectations" and "active coping". Reliability (Cronbach's Alpha) was satisfactory with coefficients between 0.69 and 0.87, and only low correlations could be found between the four subscales. Correlations with other measures were most pronounced for the subscale "intention to change". Some significant but low correlations could be reported between the FBTM and a standardized questionnaire of psychotherapy motivation (FMP). Confirmatory factor analyses of a second sample (n = 282) confirmed the original four factors. First evidence of sensitivity could be observed in a sample of patients who took part in an intervention promoting work-related therapy motivation during psychosomatic inpatient rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The FBTM is a reliable and valid instrument assessing work-related therapy motivation of inpatients, as a relevant therapeutic measure in psychosomatic rehabilitation. Further validation, especially the analysis of predictive validity is desirable.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

[Do the effects of inpatient vocational therapy and ergotherapy approaches differ in schizophrenic patients? Results of a controlled multicenter study of the german research network on schizophrenia].

For some decades, vocational therapy approaches have been an integral part of inpatient psychiatric treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Like most sociotherapeutic measures, they are largely hypothesis-based. So far, their effectiveness has been subjected to very little scientific scrutiny. The results of a multicenter study in which five vocational therapy models were compared with creativity-oriented ergotherapy in a prospective, randomized control group design are presented. Target criteria were job-relevant skills, psychopathology, general level of functioning, quality of life, self-efficacy, and speed of cognitive performance. 227 patients were enrolled in the study, which was carried out within the framework of the German Research Network on Schizophrenia funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). Multicenter analyses in a pre-post comparison revealed only minimum differences between the experimental and the control group over a four-week intervention period. Job-oriented approaches cannot currently be assumed to be superior to creativity-oriented ergotherapy.

Adult↗

[Vocational therapy in schizophrenia: effects only with some patients and with which patients?].

OBJECTIVES: In a previous study the effectiveness of vocational therapy was evaluated using the Osnabrück Profile of Working Abilities (O-AFP). No or only minor effects were detected. The goal of this reanalysis is to identify distinct responder groups. METHODS: Hierarchical cluster analysis of O-AFP-scores before and after treatment, anovas, t-statistics as well as regression and discriminant analyses were applied to specify the clusters. RESULTS: For each of the O-AFP-scales (Learning Ability, Social Communication Ability, Adaptation) three subgroups different in level and slope of abilities could be identified. Improvements with medium to high effect sizes were detected for Social Communication Ability (34 %) and Learning Ability (14 % of the patients), deterioration was found in 30 % of the patients for Adaptation. Subgroups could be described with the help of symptomatology. Further variables and subgroup membership could be predicted above chance by discriminant and regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Targeted and more appropriate design of vocational therapy seems necessary.

Adult↗

[Vocational rehabilitation in transition--challenges and perspectives].

The present article outlines the challenges in occupational rehabilitation arising from the successive erosion of the financial foundations of the welfare system, from changes in industry as well as in health, education and labour-market policy. Five perspectives are discussed to design and develop strategies in occupational rehabilitation. Among these are: (1) Rehabilitation in companies is mostly based on miscarried efforts to prevent separation. The discontinuance and the re-integration in a position or in a company have therefore to be regarded as an interlocking process between vocational training centre, social insurance agencies and employers; (2) Regional vocational rehabilitation centres with the objective to promote participation in work life may advance to institutionalized junctions to connect the rehabilitation landscape and would represent the logistic context; (3) The development of participation benefits should mainly be directed towards individualized allocation of resources as well as the possibility of direct transfer to work in close cooperation with employers; (4) Structural solutions and process-innovation could be supported by application-orientated research; (5) A new consensus to assign future tasks and objectives should be defined among the responsible bodies and service organisations involved in occupational rehabilitation.

Persons with Disabilities↗

The process of vocational rehabilitation for employed and unemployed people on sick-leave: employed people vs unemployed people in Stockholm compared with circumstances in rural Jämtland, Sweden.

The likelihood that a period of sick-leave will result in a temporary disability pension is about three times greater for unemployed people than for those with jobs. The aim of this study was 1) to compare the vocational rehabilitation of the employed with the rehabilitation of the unemployed in the city of Stockholm and 2) to compare the results with previous results from rural Jämtland. The study was based on 156 matched cases on long-term sick-leave (90 days or more) initiated during 1992 and 1993. Two inclusion criteria were that the diagnoses should indicate low-back pain or problems in the neck/shoulders, and that the patients should be below 58 years of age. Our hypothesis was that the unemployed were disregarded in vocational rehabilitation. The results confirm this in that rehabilitation plans are not established to the same extent for the unemployed as for the employed. Against our hypothesis, however, no difference exists in rehabilitation impulse, rehabilitation investigation or rehabilitation measures received. The major finding of the study is, instead, that rehabilitation in general seems beset with problems. Rehabilitation activities seem far too few and initiated unnecessarily late. Neither the employers nor the social insurance offices seem to be fulfilling their statutory duties. The results of the study correspond well with the results previously found in rural Jämtland.

Adult↗

The effects of coronary bypass surgery on female sexual, psychological, and vocational adaptation.

This paper reports the first study of female sexual, psychological, and vocational adaptation to coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Semistructured interviews were used to obtain data on 17 women undergoing CABG. Four time periods were examined: prior to and after the onset of cardiac symptoms; four months and one year after CABG. Female sexual response differs from what is known about male adaptation to CABG in three ways: 1) women did not demonstrate a significant and profound decline in frequency of intercourse one year after surgery; 2) the component most vulnerable to disruption in women is desire, in men it is arousal; 3) women do not harbor the sexual fears commonly seen in men such as sudden death during intercourse or performance anxiety. Psychologically, women fared better than men, but were less likely to return to work. This indicates that more attention should be directed toward vocational counseling of working women undergoing CABG.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Effects of acute injury characteristics on neuropsychological status and vocational outcome following mild traumatic brain injury.

Despite recent attempts to define acute injury characteristics of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), neuropsychological outcome is often unpredictable. One hundred MTBI cases were prospectively collected, which were consecutive referrals to a concussion clinic, and the roles of various acute neurologic variables were examined in relation to neuropsychological status and vocational outcome. Significant differences were found between subgroups of patients classified by (1) mechanism of injury (i.e. acceleration/deceleration trauma in which the head strikes an object (HSO) versus acceleration/deceleration trauma in which the head does not strike an object (HNSO) versus trauma in which an object strikes the head (OSH), and (2) type of injury (i.e. motor vehicle collision, fall, assault, motor vehicle-pedestrian collision, falling object, sports/recreation). There was no difference, with respect to neuropsychological status or vocational outcome, between patients who had positive findings on computerized tomography (CT) versus those who were CT negative. Additionally, there was no difference between patients who had suffered brief loss of consciousness (LOC) and those without LOC. These findings suggest that selective acute injury characteristics may be used to classify subtypes of MTBI patients.

Acute Disease↗