Can targeted job-information for adults with spinal cord dysfunction be effectively delivered online? A pilot study

To pilot a novel email-based information package (Work and SCI) for job-seekers with an acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) or spinal cord dysfunction (SCI/D).

Prospective, non-randomized, repeated measures trial.

Community dwelling cohort in Australia.

Five people with SCI (mean age 46.4 years, SD = 10.2; 4 female) initially reviewed Work and SCI. Twenty-four with SCI/D subsequently enrolled, of whom 16 (mean age 46.4 years, SD = 11.1; 7 female), completed the intervention.

Intervention participants accessed Work and SCI over a 4-week period.

Individual changes in pre-post scores for the My Vocational Situation Scale, Job Procurement Self-Efficacy Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Life Orientation Test-Revised were examined.

Reliable change in pre-post scores across outcomes were reported by 38% (n = 6) of participants. Favorable comments on the Work and SCI resource were provided in addition to suggestions for improvement.

Preliminary data suggest that Work and SCI may help to establish vocational interests among job-seekers with a SCI/D, however further work is needed to enhance participant compliance. This might include moderator support to promote and maintain participation. A controlled design will also help to identify factors that influence engagement with the Work and SCI resource.