Effectiviteit van de interventie TraJect. Jongvolwassenen met een chronische aandoening aan het werk?!

The aim of the research is to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention 'At work', which is aimed to improve the work participation of young adults with physical disabilities. The intervention will be evaluated in this longitudinal research by comparing the primary outcome measure self-efficacy for work between a group receiving the intervention ‘At work’ and the control group doing the usual reintegration activities or having no care.

Based on a pre-test power analyses, we assume to enroll of 43 participants in the intervention and 43 participants in the control group. The target population consists of young adults with physical disabilities (aged16-27), who are not employed or who are expected to finish their education within 6 months. Prospective data collection take place at the start of the intervention and at 12 months follow up. The primary outcome measure is work-related self-efficacy. Secondary outcome measures are work status, general self-efficacy, quality of life, social participation and attitude to self-management at work.

The programme at Work, will result in a significant increase of work-related self-efficacy in comparison to the usual care and a higher percentage of work participation.

1. 03-2012/09-2012: preparation trial;

2. 09-2012/04-2014: inclusion period;

3. 04-2015/09-2015: data analysis & publication

Experimental

‘At work’ is a multidisciplinary vocational rehabilitation intervention aimed at empowering young adults with physical disabilities and supporting them to find a suitable job (i.e. attuned to their physical abilities). The intervention starts with an interview to identify co-existing problems in daily functioning. Based on this exploration specific treatment goals are set. Thereafter, the six group sessions start, facilitated by an occupational therapist and a job coach. During the group sessions, information about work-related topics is provided and group discussions take place. Furthermore the participants practice to do a job-interview.

After the group sessions an individual coaching trajectory starts, in which individual needs could be addressed. The job coach searches together with the young adult for work placement opportunities in order to develop vocational skills, work routines, and work experience. Job coaching on the job is provided when the participant has found a paid or unpaid job.



Control

Participants in the control group receive usual care. Usual care can consist of a regular reintegration programme or no care at all. Thus, a variety of several social and medical co-interventions are expected in the control group.