Optimizing Environments for Consumer Participation and Self-Direction in Finding Employment

Abstract

Health and rehabilitation providers are adopting empowering approaches to increase consumer involvement in the service process. This practice trend has evolved in response to the emergence and adoption of consumer-driven models in health care. However, the processes of enabling opportunities for consumers to participate as partners in rehabilitation are difficult and complex. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical understanding of the strategies, actions, and interactions between consumers and providers that supported consumer involvement in vocational rehabilitation processes. Data from a grounded theory study involving indepth interviews with a sample of seven consumers and seven providers were analyzed using the constant comparative approach and Glaser's analysis criteria. A conceptual model of how consumer participation is enacted emerged. Consumer and provider interactions focused onoptimizing environments to support consumer partnering and self-direction through establishing shared expectations, advancing consumer potential in practice, and persistently pursuing goals in the community. Opportunities to enhance consumer participation in the social context, practice settings, and the community are elaborated.

Enhancing public sectors’ capacity for inclusive economic participation of disabled youth in rural communities

“…Shaw et al . ( 2007 ) asserted that a supportive social context of team effort and meaningful partnership between service providers and disabled people is important to encourage equitable participation for disabled people. Ramphele ( 2008 ) suggested that all South Africans need to learn to work together.…”

Validating the Potential of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to Identify Barriers to and Facilitators of Consumer Participation

“…The data were drawn from three studies that investigated consumer and provider experiences in enacting a selfdirected approach to find work (Shaw et al, 2007;. The self-directed approach in the previous studies required consumers and providers to assume partnering roles in the rehabilitation context; in addition, providers were expected to provide authentic opportunities for consumer choice and involvement in the therapeutic and administrative processes.…”

“…However, consumers have indicated that realizing the role of P articipation is a person's involvement in a life situation or role in society (World Health Organization [WHO], 2001a). Becoming a partner in care processes is a newer societal role for health care consumers (Shaw, McWilliam, Sumsion, & MacKinnon, 2007). Becoming a partner in care processes is a newer societal role for health care consumers (Shaw, McWilliam, Sumsion, & MacKinnon, 2007).…”

“…Becoming a partner in care processes is a newer societal role for health care consumers (Shaw, McWilliam, Sumsion, & MacKinnon, 2007). A recent study by Shaw et al (2007) suggested that tools are needed to help providers gain a deeper appreciation of and reflect on barriers in both the social and system contexts. Partnering also requires providers to adjust or adopt different ways of interacting with consumers.…”

“…partner in rehabilitation is not easy (Rebeiro, 2003;Townsend, 1998). A recent study by Shaw et al (2007) suggested that tools are needed to help providers gain a deeper appreciation of and reflect on barriers in both the social and system contexts. These insights are needed to help create environments that can enhance opportunities for collaboration and partnering.…”