MS JobSeek: A pilot randomized controlled trial of an online peer discussion forum for job-seekers with multiple sclerosis

Dorstyn, D; Oxlad, M; Roberts, R; Murphy, G; Potter, E; Kneebone, I; Craig, A

MS JobSeek: A pilot randomized controlled trial of an online peer discussion forum for job-seekers with multiple sclerosis

Dorstyn, D Oxlad, M Roberts, R Murphy, G Potter, E Kneebone, I

Craig, A

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Publisher:: IOS Press
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 2022, 56, (1), pp. 81-91
Issue Date:: 2022-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Dorstyn, D
dc.contributor.author	Oxlad, M
dc.contributor.author	Roberts, R
dc.contributor.author	Murphy, G
dc.contributor.author	Potter, E
dc.contributor.author	Kneebone, I https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3324-7264
dc.contributor.author	Craig, A
dc.date.accessioned	2022-11-18T00:23:12Z
dc.date.available	2022-11-18T00:23:12Z
dc.date.issued	2022-01-01
dc.identifier.citation	Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 2022, 56, (1), pp. 81-91
dc.identifier.issn	1052-2263
dc.identifier.issn	1878-6316
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/163574
dc.description.abstract	BACKGROUND: Peer-facilitated interventions have been successfully used in chronic disease management. Less is known about their application in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To pilot-test an online peer discussion forum to improve exploration of employment options in job-seekers with long-term multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Twenty-nine persons with relapsing/progressive MS (4-27 years since diagnosis) were recruited online and randomly assigned to an 8-week discussion forum led by peers and a moderator, MS JobSeek (n = 14), or an active control group (n = 15). Forum engagement and user satisfaction were examined, as were pre-post self-evaluations of job search behaviour, efficacy, and quality of life. RESULTS: A high (43%) attrition rate was noted, although intervention completers acknowledged and valued online mentors' guidance and expertise. Group and time effects were not significant (p < 0.05), with both MS JobSeek and control participants reporting positive (e.g., increase in job search activities) and negative (e.g., lowered self-efficacy) change. CONCLUSIONS: The pilot findings suggest that online peer support is feasible, however more can be done to promote peer-to-peer communication. Recommendations for improving forum engagement and satisfaction in a future controlled trial, including strategies to better support mentees' individualised needs, are offered.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	IOS Press
dc.relation.ispartof	Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.3233/JVR-211174
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject	1607 Social Work
dc.subject.classification	Rehabilitation
dc.title	MS JobSeek: A pilot randomized controlled trial of an online peer discussion forum for job-seekers with multiple sclerosis
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	56
utslib.for	1607 Social Work
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health/GSH.Clinical Psychology
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2022-11-18T00:23:11Z
pubs.issue	1
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	56
utslib.citation.issue	1

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Peer-facilitated interventions have been successfully used in chronic disease management. Less is known about their application in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To pilot-test an online peer discussion forum to improve exploration of employment options in job-seekers with long-term multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Twenty-nine persons with relapsing/progressive MS (4-27 years since diagnosis) were recruited online and randomly assigned to an 8-week discussion forum led by peers and a moderator, MS JobSeek (n = 14), or an active control group (n = 15). Forum engagement and user satisfaction were examined, as were pre-post self-evaluations of job search behaviour, efficacy, and quality of life. RESULTS: A high (43%) attrition rate was noted, although intervention completers acknowledged and valued online mentors' guidance and expertise. Group and time effects were not significant (p < 0.05), with both MS JobSeek and control participants reporting positive (e.g., increase in job search activities) and negative (e.g., lowered self-efficacy) change. CONCLUSIONS: The pilot findings suggest that online peer support is feasible, however more can be done to promote peer-to-peer communication. Recommendations for improving forum engagement and satisfaction in a future controlled trial, including strategies to better support mentees' individualised needs, are offered.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/163574