A qualitative study exploring how vocational rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis can be integrated within existing healthcare services in the United Kingdom

De Dios Perez, Blanca; Booth, Vicky; das Nair, Roshan; Evangelou, Nikos; Hassard, Juliet; Ford, Helen L.; Newsome, Ian; Radford, Kate

Abstract

Background
To explore how a vocational rehabilitation (VR) intervention can be integrated within existing healthcare services for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS).

Methods
Data from 37 semi-structured interviews with 22 people with MS, eight employers, and seven healthcare professionals were analysed using a framework method informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and an intervention logic model.

Results
Four themes were identified relating to the structure of current NHS services, how to improve access to and awareness of VR services, the collaboration between internal and external networks, and the benefits of integrating VR within the NHS services. Participants identified several implementation barriers such as poor links with external organisations, staffing issues, and lack of funding. To overcome these barriers, participants suggested enablers such as technology (such as apps or online assessments) and collaboration with third-sector organisations to reduce the pressure on the NHS.

Conclusion
Significant organisational changes are required to ensure a successful implementation of a VR intervention within current NHS services. Despite this, the NHS was seen as a trustworthy organisation to offer support that can optimise the health and professional lives of people with MS.

Citation

De Dios Perez, B., Booth, V., das Nair, R., Evangelou, N., Hassard, J., Ford, H. L., Newsome, I., & Radford, K. (2024). A qualitative study exploring how vocational rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis can be integrated within existing healthcare services in the United Kingdom. BMC Health Services Research, 24, Article 995. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11424-y

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 9, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Aug 27, 2024
• Publication Date: Aug 27, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 26, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 30, 2024
• Journal: BMC Health Services Research
• Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Article Number: 995
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11424-y
• Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, multiple sclerosis, National Health Service, interviews
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/30151189
• Publisher URL: https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-024-11424-y
• Additional Information: Received: 10 January 2024; Accepted: 9 August 2024; First Online: 27 August 2024; : ; : This study obtained ethical approval from the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (REC) at the University of Nottingham (reference: FMHS 477 − 0322) and NHS Ethical Approval from the Stanmore REC (reference: 22/PR/1030). The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants completed a consent form before data collection.; : Not applicable.; : The authors declare no competing interests.