Utility of the workplace participation domain of the Youth and Young-adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM): Stakeholder’s perspectives

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Shahin, Saeideh^{a; b; *} | Ryan, Mallory^{a; b} | DiRezze, Briano^{c; d} | Ahmed, Sara^{a; b} | Anaby, Dana^{a; b; d}

Affiliations: [a] School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada | [b] Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Réadaptation de Montréal Métropolitain (CRIR), Montréal, QC, Canada | [c] McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada | [d] CanChild Center for Childhood Disability Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Ms. S. Shahin, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, H4A 3J3, Quebec, Canada. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Assessing workplace participation of people with disability using measures that can inform practice is vital. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the utility of the Youth and young-adult Participation and Environment Measure’s (Y-PEM) Workplace Participation domain. METHOD:Four focus groups were conducted with 11 stakeholders from different employment-related settings. Open-ended questions regarding Y-PEM’s interpretation, meaning and relevance, drawing on elements of clinical utility, were used. Data were analyzed by two investigators using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS:Stakeholders’ experience in providing/receiving employment services varied (1– 16 years). Three themes emerged. The Y-PEM captures multiple factors in employment transition; it generates insights and sparks conversations to better appreciate and support individuals’ transitioning to employment. Y-PEM meets the need for tools to guide services of transitioning to employment as it is comprehensive in assessing participation and the environment, can provide a “snapshot” of where the young person is at in their transition, and serves different purposes. The tool provides a “piece of the pie” within this complex process and could be used in conjunction with other tools. CONCLUSION:Y-PEM was perceived as essential, comprehensive, and appropriate for use in clinical and employment-related service contexts to inform practice, and guide stakeholders’ decision-making in facilitating transitioning to employment.

Keywords: Workplace participation, outcome measure, transition-aged, employment-related service providers

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230032

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 2, pp. 139-152, 2023