An online resource to promote vocational interests among job-seekers with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial in Australia

Publication date: Available online 18 September 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Diana Dorstyn, Rachel Roberts, Gregory Murphy, Ian Kneebone, Ashley Craig, Christine Migliorini
ObjectiveTo provide a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of an on-line resource for job-seekers with multiple sclerosis.DesignRandomized controlled design.SettingCommunity-dwelling cohort in Australia.ParticipantsForty-seven adults with relapsing-remitting or progressive MS accessed an email-delivered, 7-module resource - 'Work and MS' - over a 4-week period. Fifty wait-list control participants were offered the opportunity to access 'Work and MS' 4 weeks post-enrolment.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcomes focused on vocational interests (My Vocational Situation Scale; MVS) and self-efficacy in job-seeking activities (Job-Procurement Self Efficacy Scale; JSES). Secondary outcomes focused on perceived workplace difficulties (Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire; MSWDQ), optimism (Life Orientation Test – Revised; LOT-R), and mood (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9).ResultsITT analyses revealed pre-post gains: participants who accessed 'Work and MS' reported improved confidence in their career goals (MVS g = 0.55 [CI: 0.14, 0.96] P = 0.008) and positively re-appraised potential workplace difficulties (MSWDQ g range: 0.42 to 0.47; P range = 0.023 to 0.042). The effect on job self-efficacy was not significant, although changed in the expected direction (g = 0.17, [CI: -0.23, 0.57] P = 0.409). Completer data revealed larger, significant effect estimates (g range = 0.52 to 0.64, P range = 0.009 to 0.035).ConclusionsFindings provide preliminary support for the utility of a job-information resource, 'Work and MS', to augment existing employment services. The results also suggest the need to test employment-ready interventions in a larger study population. This might include the addition of on-line peer support to increase intervention compliance.



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