Empowering employees with chronic diseases: process evaluation of an intervention aimed at job retention.
OBJECTIVE
Employees with a chronic disease may experience work-related problems that contribute to the risk of job loss. We developed a group-based intervention programme aimed at clarifying problems, making these a subject of discussion at work, and realizing solutions. This process evaluation investigates the intervention's feasibility and the satisfaction of 64 participants in eight groups.


METHODS
Data were collected through process evaluation forms and self-report questionnaires.


RESULTS
The recruitment of participants was time-consuming. Highly educated women working in the service sector were overrepresented. The programme was administered as planned, although components were sometimes only discussed briefly, due to lack of time. Satisfaction with the overall programme among participants was high; it was perceived as effective and there were only three dropouts. In particular, the focus on feelings and thoughts about having a chronic disease was highly valued, as were the exchange of experiences and role-playing directed at more assertive communication.


CONCLUSIONS
A vocational rehabilitation programme aimed at job retention is feasible and is perceived to be effective. Such a programme should address psychosocial aspects of working with a chronic disease beside practical problems. The recruitment of participants is time-consuming. Cooperation with outpatient clinics is necessary in order to reach all groups of employees with a chronic disease that might benefit from job retention programmes.


BACKGROUND
ISRCTN77240155.
Varekamp
Inge
I
Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22600, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. i.varekamp@amc.nl
Krol
Boudien
B
van Dijk
Frank J H
FJ
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004651:Employment; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires