Facilitators and Barriers to Employment Among Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury Receiving 12 Months of Evidence-Based Supported Employment Services

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2015 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2101-20 · Published: January 1, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study looks at what helps or hinders Veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in finding work. It focuses on those who participated in a supported employment program, which offers help to find and keep a job. The study used both interviews and surveys to gather information. Researchers compared Veterans who found work with those who didn't, looking at factors like transportation, health, and motivation. The findings suggest that having a dedicated vocational rehabilitation specialist (VRS) who works closely with the medical team is very helpful. Also, practical issues like transportation need to be addressed.

Study Duration

12 Months

Participants

34 Veterans with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Integration of a vocational rehabilitation specialist (VRS) on the medical team is helpful for addressing disability-specific barriers.
2
Practical matters such as transportation and caregiving schedules need to be addressed to facilitate employment outcomes.
3
Lack of transportation was a significant barrier to both finding and maintaining employment.

Research Summary

This study examined the association among facilitators and barriers and the outcome of employment for Veterans with SCI participating in an EBSE program using both quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative data describing the Veterans’ experience of participating in 12 months of EBSE illustrated how the integration of the VRS on the medical team was helpful for addressing health issues and the VRS, along with other vocational services, addressed practical matters, such as transportation and accessibility issues, to facilitate employment outcomes. Identified barriers to employment may be addressed through implementation of standardized approaches such as EBSE, but further research is needed to examine how implementing vocational programs can effectively target employment barriers within the context of SCI rehabilitation.

Practical Implications

Integrated Vocational Support

Emphasize the importance of integrating vocational rehabilitation specialists within the healthcare team to address health-related barriers to employment.

Address Practical Barriers

Develop strategies to address practical barriers such as transportation and accessibility to improve employment outcomes.

Individualized Support

Provide individualized support and resources to Veterans with SCI to help them navigate the employment process.

Facilitators and Barriers to Employment Among Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury Receiving 12 Months of Evidence-Based Supported Employment Services

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Integrated Vocational Support

Address Practical Barriers

Individualized Support

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Facilitators and Barriers to Employment Among Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury Receiving 12 Months of Evidence-Based Supported Employment Services

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Integrated Vocational Support

Address Practical Barriers

Individualized Support

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?