Affiliations: [a]
Swiss Paraplegic Research, Participation, Integration and Social Epidemiology Group, Nottwil, Switzerland | [b]
University of Lucerne, Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, Lucerne, Switzerland | [c]
Swiss Paraplegic Center, Institute for Vocational Guidance (ParaWork), Nottwil, Switzerland
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Marina Nützi, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Participation, Integration and Social Epidemiology Group, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, CH-6207 Nottwil, Switzerland. Tel.: +0041 41 9396567, Fax: +0041 41 9396579; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Matching an individual’s capabilities, interests and needs with corresponding job demands and characteristics is an established procedure in vocational rehabilitation (VR). Yet, a systematic exposition of specific factors affecting the determination and attainment of a person-job match in VR practice is currently missing. OBJECTIVE:To examine factors, assessments and interventions related to job matching (JM) in VR of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) by using a literature-based conceptual JM framework. METHODS:Applying a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected by overt non-participant observations across the VR process of two individuals with SCI, representing major return-to-work scenarios (returning to the pre-injury job and preparing for vocational retraining). RESULTS:Person-related, job-related and environmental factors were identified that either played a direct or indirect role in determining and attaining a person-job match. The factors were evaluated by different work-related and medical assessments and were targeted by a number of JM-related interventions. CONCLUSIONS:While our conceptual framework may serve as a generic blueprint to facilitate JM approaches in VR practice, the specific factors identified in our study are particularly valuable for developing JM applications aimed at promoting sustainable return to work for persons with SCI.
Keywords: Return to work, work rehabilitation, non-participant observation, vocational counseling, person-job fit, person-environment fit, work participation
