Research Database: Article Details

Citation:  Lee, R. K.Y., & Chan, C. C.H. (2005). Factors affecting vocational outcomes of people with chronic illness participating in a supported competitive open employment program in Hong Kong. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation, 25 (4), 359-368.
Title:  Factors affecting vocational outcomes of people with chronic illness participating in a supported competitive open employment program in Hong Kong
Authors:  Lee, R. K.Y., & Chan, C. C.H.
Year:  2005
Journal/Publication:  Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation
Publisher:  IOS Press
Full text:  https://content.iospress.com/journals/work/25/4   
Peer-reviewed?  Yes
NIDILRR-funded?  No
Research design:  Case history review

Structured abstract:

Background:  Chronic illness has a major impact on the psychological, familial, social, and vocational aspects of a person's life. It often leads to pain, intense emotional upheaval, financial constraints, illness concealment, and a change in personality. In a competitive labor market such as that of Hong Kong, the chance for persons with chronic illness to gain new employment is not high.
Purpose:  This study aimed to analyze the ability of the Patient Retraining and Vocational Resettlement (PRAVR) program to enhance the vocational outcomes of individuals with chronic illness, and to study the socio-demographic factors associated with successful vocational outcome.
Setting:  The setting was Patient Retraining and Vocational Resettlement program in Hong Kong.
Study sample:  The study sample included 548 individuals with various types of chronic illness who enrolled in the Patient Retraining and Vocational Resettlement program between 1995 and 2003.
Intervention:  The intervention was supported employment services.
Control or comparison condition:  There was no control or comparison condition.
Data collection and analysis:  Socio-demographic data and their employment outcome after a six-month job skills retraining and job settlement service were collected for analysis.
Findings:  The Patient Retraining and Vocational Resettlement program is able to enhance the vocational outcomes of people with chronic illness in Hong Kong. The factors which were found to relate to successful employment were unique to the local situation.
Conclusions:  Further studies should explore these factors.

Disabilities served:  Medical impairment
Populations served:  Gender: Female and Male
Interventions:  Supported employment
Outcomes:  Employment acquisition