Posters
Development of the MS Work Book: a toolkit for health and social care professionals to support people with MS in employment
Gail Townsend, Neuro-vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
This poster covers the development of the MS Workbook. The MS Workbook brings together practical resources and uses a self management framework for health and social care professionals to use when addressing work related problems.
Self management is about people with chronic illness being facilitated to take control over their lives (1). There are five core self-management skills (2) which the MS Workbook aims to promote:
- problem solving:
- decision making:
- resource utilisation:
- forming of a patient/health care provider partnership: and
- taking action.
In the context of the work setting the person with MS is the both the expert on their job and how MS affects them at work. Using this expertise and the self management skills the person with MS will be encouraged to take an active role in managing work challenges.
Aim of the study:
To develop a practice resource to support people with MS in employment.
Method:
This study used email discussion groups to inform the development of the MS Workbook, and expert evaluation of the draft MS Workbook prior to being piloted in practice. The two email groups consisted of pwMS in employment and healthcare professionals / Jobcentre Plus employees. Two MS nurses and four occupational therapists took part in piloting the MS Workbook in practice.
Outcome:
The MS Workbook was produced and pilot data is being analysed. The views of PWMS and experienced professionals enabled the Workbook to be grounded in real-life experience.
This project is supported by a grant from the MS Trust and NHS Support for Science.
References:
1. Department of Health. The Expert Patient: A new approach to chronic disease management for the 21st Century. London: Department of Health; 2001.
2. Lorig K. Patient Education: A practical approach. 3rd ed. California: Sage Publications, Inc; 2001