Enhancing the vocational outcomes of people with chronic
disabilities caused by a musculoskeletal condition: Development and evaluation
of content of self-management training modules
Affiliations: Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane,
Australia | Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane,
Australia | Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery
Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Note: [] Corresponding author: Venerina Johnston, School of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences, Level 7, Therapies Building 84A, The University of
Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. Tel.: +61 0 7 3365 2124; Fax: +61 0
7 33652775; E-mail: v.johnston@uq.edu.au
Abstract: BACKGROUND: No self-management interventions have been developed to
empower those chronically disabled by a musculoskeletal condition to find
and/or remain at work. OBJECTIVE: Developand evaluate the content of two self-management
training modules to improve vocational outcomes for those with chronic
musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: Stanford University's Chronic Disease Self-Management
Program provided the framework for the new modules. Focus groups with the
eightpersons with workdisabilities and concept-mapping sessions with the 12
experienced vocational rehabilitation professionals were conducted to identify
factors and themes contributing to workers remaining/returning to work
post-injury. Five experienced self-management trainers reviewed the modules for
consistency with self-management principles. RESULTS: Two new self-management modules: 'Navigating the System'
and 'Managing a Return to Work' were developed.The persons with work
disabilitiesgenerated four themes: accepting and coping with injury; skills to
manage pain and life; positive working relationships and, re-inventing self,
whereas the rehabilitation professionals identified three themes:communication
and support of others; the injured worker's abilities and resources, and
knowledge and education. CONCLUSIONS: Anintervention developed to enhance self-management
skills and facilitate positive vocational outcomes of those seeking to return
to work post-injury was confirmed as relevant by persons with work
disabilities, rehabilitation professionals and self-management trainers.
Keywords: Rehabilitation, work, recovery of function, patient education, worker empowerment
