Transition to participation in work of young adults with chronic disorders

Young adults with a chronic disorder frequently meet barriers with respect to
participation in (regular) work. These barriers are, among other things, a poor
connection between several organizations and parties involved (young adults,
their parents, employers, schools and colleges, (local) authorities, vocational
services), limited availability of facilities and adaptations, and ignorance of
regulations and procedures. Employers often are hesitant to contract young
adults with a chronic disorder, because of supposed risks of less productivity
and more sick-leave. In improving participation in work extra assistance by
getting acces to employment is of special importance, since research indicates
that especially newcomers to the labour market experience disadvantages of a
disorder or limitation(s).

To determine the feasibility and applicability of the intervention 'Traject' to
improve the participation in work of young adults (16-25 years) with a chronic
disorder.

To determine the feasibility and applicability of the intervention that is
developed and provided, an evaluation-study is conducted. For this purpose two
groups, each consisting of 6 to 8 young adults with a chronic disorder, will
receive the intervention. Because the intervention is newly developed, and the
population can not accurately be estimated, the recent study will be a
pilot-study, without a control-group. As the results of the pilot study show a
positive effect of the intervention, a larger effectstudy will be conducted.

The intervention consists of a combination of a group program and individual
counseling and coaching, and lasts for one year. The group program consists of
6 sessions, and pays attention to coping with a chronic disorder in a work
situation, personal capacities and interests, regulations and procedures,
applying for a job and making a first impression. This group program will be
followed by a period in which the participants will experience work in a
fieldwork period, unpaid or paid job. During this period the participants will
be individually coached, and this coaching can also take place in the actual
work situation. During this period there will be two occasional group sessions
to share experiences, and/or pay attention to a (work-related) theme of their
interest.
The intervention is provided by an occupational therapist, psychologist and
jobcoach.

Participation in the intervention consists of six group sessions of two hours
each; this demands 12 hours time of each participant (traveling time excluded).
Apart from the group sessions the participants receive individual coaching;
frequency and duration of this coaching depends on their own needs and wishes.
The burden for the participants for the measurements on behalf of the study
consist of participating to interviews, and filling in questionnaires.
Participants will be asked to do this twice: at the start and at the end of the
study (after one year). This will take the participants 6,5 hours. The
interviews are also part of the intervention, and serve to gain insight in
motivation for work, and capacities and interests in work. These interviews are
also conducted in regular occupational therapy treatment.
After three months and at the end (after one year) the intervention is
evaluated with the participants; this will take approximately 30 minutes.