| Citation: |
Rumrill, P.D., Koch, L.C., Wohlford, S. (2013). Job retention strategies for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 39
(2),
127-135.
|
| Title: |
Job retention strategies for individuals with multiple sclerosis |
| Authors: |
Rumrill, P.D., Koch, L.C., Wohlford, S. |
| Year: |
2013 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: |
IOS Press |
| DOI: |
https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-130650
|
| Full text: |
https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
No
|
|
Research design:
|
Literature review
|
| Background: |
Multiple sclerosis (MS) typically onsets during prime working years and despite advances in medical care and management of symptoms little advance has been made in employment outcomes. It is estimated that less than half of people in the U.S. with MS are currently employed. |
|
Purpose:
|
The purpose of this article is to (1) examine the illness related, demographic, and work related factors that can interfere with job retention in people with MS, and (2) review vocational rehabilitation (VR) practices that can lead to positive employment outcomes in people with MS. |
|
Findings:
|
Ambulatory problems, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and progressively more sever forms of the disease have been cited in the research as the most prevalent illness related factors leading to difficulty with job retention in people with MS. Women with MS are less likely to be employed than men. Those with MS that are more educated are more likely to be employed. Lack of job satisfaction and evidence of perceived discrimination lead to difficulties with employment retention. Barriers to retention also exist in the form of work disincentives in Social Security recipients.
Job retention strategies should be implemented as soon as possible by VR counselors in people that develop MS. This should consist of solutions to work barriers, counseling and guidance, and education and self-advocacy skills. |
|
Conclusions:
|
Vocational rehabilitation counselors should be aware of the barriers to employment retention encountered by people with MS and target interventions towards overcoming those barriers. |
