The capability set for work - correlates of sustainable employability in workers with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine whether work capabilities differ between workers with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and workers from the general population. The second aim was to investigate whether the capability set was related to work and health outcomes. METHODS: A total of 163 workers with MS from the MS@Work study and 163 workers from the general population were matched for gender, age, educational level and working hours. All participants completed online questionnaires on demographics, health and work functioning. The Capability Set for Work Questionnaire was used to explore whether a set of seven work values is considered valuable (A), is enabled in the work context (B), and can be achieved by the individual (C). When all three criteria are met a work value can be considered part of the individual's 'capability set'. RESULTS: Group differences and relationships with work and health outcomes were examined. Despite lower physical work functioning (U = 4250, p = 0.001), lower work ability (U = 10591, p = 0.006) and worse self-reported health (U = 9091, p ≤ 0.001) workers with MS had a larger capability set (U = 9649, p ≤ 0.001) than the general population. In workers with MS, a larger capability set was associated with better flexible work functioning (r = 0.30), work ability (r = 0.25), self-rated health (r = 0.25); and with less absenteeism (r = - 0.26), presenteeism (r = - 0.31), cognitive/neuropsychiatric impairment (r = - 0.35), depression (r = - 0.43), anxiety (r = - 0.31) and fatigue (r = - 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Workers with MS have a larger capability set than workers from the general population. In workers with MS a larger capability set was associated with better work and health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This observational study is registered under NL43098.008.12: 'Voorspellers van arbeidsparticipatie bij mensen met relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerose'. The study is registered at the Dutch CCMO register ( https://www.toetsingonline.nl ). This study is approved by the METC Brabant, 12 February 2014. First participants are enrolled 1st of March 2014

The MS@Work study:a 3-year prospective observational study on factors involved with work participation in patients with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability in young and middle-aged adults. At this stage in life most people are in the midst of their working career. The majority of MS patients are unable to retain employment within 10 years from disease onset. Leading up to unemployment, many may experience a reduction in hours or work responsibilities and increased time missed from work. The MS@Work study examines various factors that may influence work participation in relapsing-remitting MS patients, including disease-related factors, the working environment and personal factors. Methods/design: The MS@Work study is a multicenter, 3-year prospective observational study on work participation in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. We aim to include 350 patients through 15-18 MS outpatient clinics in the Netherlands. Eligible participants are 18 years and older, and either currently employed or within three years since their last employment. At baseline and after 1, 2 and 3 years, the participants are asked to complete online questionnaires (including questions on work participation, work problems and accommodations, cognitive and physical ability, anxiety, depression, psychosocial stress, quality of life, fatigue, empathy, personality traits and coping strategies) and undergo cognitive and neurological examinations. After six months, patients are requested to only complete online questionnaires. Patient perspectives on maintaining and improving work participation and reasons to stop working are gathered through semi-structured interviews in a sub-group of patients. Discussion: Prospective studies with long-term follow-up on work participation in MS are rare, or take into account a limited number of factors. The MS@Work study provides a 3-year follow-up on various factors that may influence work participation in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. We aim to identify factors that relate to job loss and to provide information about preventative measures for physicians, psychologists and other professionals working in the field of occupational health

Aplicação de deficientes físicos nas atividades da Polícia Militar do Paraná

Orientador: Ivan Santa MariaMonografia (Especialização) - Universidade Federal do Paraná,Setor de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas, Departamento de Contabilidade, Curso de Especialização em Administração PolicialResumo: O presente trabalho monográfico abordou o problema da aplicabilidade de policiais-militares em atividades consideradas meio na Organização, sendo que os mesmos poderiam ser substituídos por deficientes físicos em algumas funções básicas, como telefonista, recepcionista, digitador e outros, redundando num maior emprego de policiaismilitares nas ruas. Para tanto, buscou primeiramente retratar a realidade na PMPR; caracterizar atividades de cunho civil e de cunho militar na atividade meio; além de onde e como aplicar a pessoa portadora de deficiência física. Na parte do desenvolvimento, foram abordadas conceituações básicas, como atividade Policial Militar, atividades-meio e atividades-fim da Polícia Militar, cunho civil e militar na atividade-meio. Na seqüência, abordaram-se aspectos da pessoa portadora de deficiência, sendo navegado em assuntos a respeito da antigüidade, do renascimento, a política demográfica, deficiência em si, Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos, a realidade social do deficiente e sua situação atual. Tratou-se também dos deficientes físicos e a Polícia Militar, em que buscou-se evidenciar o que existe em legislação peculiar e cargos privativos de militares. Quanto aos direitos dos deficientes, relatou-se a respeito dos tratados internacionais e a legislação brasileira. Ainda no capítulo referente ao desenvolvimento retratou-se a respeito do PSAV - Prestador de Serviço Auxiliar Voluntário (Deficientes Físicos); APR - Associação Paranaense de Reabilitação; ADFP -Associação dos Deficientes Físicos do Paraná; empresas que abrem caminhos para deficientes; uma importante matéria veiculada na Gazeta do Povo com o título "700 Deficientes podem Perder o Emprego", postura esta defendida pelo Estado como sendo o serviço prestado de grande importância econômica e social. Um capítulo tratou sobre a presença de pessoal civil na Polícia Militar, com seus fundamentos legais e doutrinários. Chegou-se ao final do desenvolvimento retratando como seria uma possível implantação da alocação de deficientes físicos em certas atividades-meio da Polícia Militar do Paraná Finalizou o presente estudo tratando das considerações finais, em que algumas propostas foram colocadas, ressaltando-se a importância de primeiramente serem readequadas as instalações físicas das Unidades Policiais-Militares para o ideal recebimento destes funcionário

The interactive web-based program MSmonitor for self-management and multidisciplinary care in multiple sclerosis:utilization and valuation by patients

Background: MSmonitor is an interactive web-based program for self-management and integrated, multidisciplinary care in multiple sclerosis. Methods: To assess the utilization and valuation by persons with multiple sclerosis, we held an online survey among those who had used the program for at least 1 year. We evaluated the utilization and meaningfulness of the program's elements, perceived use of data by neurologists and nurses, and appreciation of care, self-management, and satisfaction. Results: Fifty-five persons completed the questionnaire (estimated response rate 40%). The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Profile (MSIP), Medication and Adherence Inventory, Activities Diary, and electronic consultation (e-consult) were used by 40%, 55%, 47%, and 44% of respondents and were considered meaningful by 83%, 81%, 54%, and 88%, respectively. During out-patient consultations, nurses reportedly used the MSmonitor data three to six times more frequently than neurologists. As to nursing care, more symptoms were dealt with (according to 54% of respondents), symptoms were better discussed (69%), and the overall quality of care had improved (60%) since the use of the program. As to neurological care, these figures were 24%, 31%, and 27%, respectively. In 46% of the respondents, the insight into their symptoms and disabilities had increased since the use of the program; the MSIP, Activities Diary, and e-consult had contributed most to this improvement. The overall satisfaction with the program was 3.5 out of 5, and 73% of the respondents would recommend the program to other persons with multiple sclerosis. Conclusion: A survey among persons with multiple sclerosis using the MSmonitor program showed that the MSIP, Medication and Adherence Inventory, Activities Diary, and e-consult were frequently used and that the MSIP, Medication and Adherence Inventory, and e-consult were appreciated the most. Moreover, the quality of nursing care, but not so neurological care, had improved, which may relate to nurses making more frequent use of the MSmonitor data than neurologists