Affiliations: [a] School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| [b] School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| [c] Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| [d] Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, RNSH, St Leonards, Australia
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dr Diana Dorstyn, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide 5005, South Australia, Australia; Tel.: +61 8 8313 0649; E-mail: [email protected].
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.
Keywords: Employment, unemployment, multiple sclerosis, social support, technology
