A Delphi study on Environmental Factors that impact work and social life participation of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in Austria and Switzerland

  • Purpose: This study aimed to gain knowledge about environmental factors (EFs) that impact work and social life participation of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Austria and Switzerland to extend the knowledge of participation and to identify key areas for measuring participation. Method: A three-round Delphi study was conducted defining patients as experts. In the 1st round, qualitative data was gathered through questionnaires, analyzed with content analysis, and factors were assigned to EFs as classified in the ICF. In the 2nd and 3rd round, experts judged EFs according to its relevance to obtain consensus (cut-off 75%). Categories were ranked on a scale from mostly important to important. Results: One hundred and twelve Austrian and 109 Swiss experts were recruited. The content analysis revealed 768 EFs. The study resulted in a list of 176 consensus factors for Austria and 177 Switzerland. Five categories revealed to be highly important, 12 moderately important, 6 fairly important, and 10 important. Conclusions: This study indicates that participation in work or social life is influenced by physical, social, attitudinal, and policy factors. Consensus factors afford insights into areas for consideration in the development of participation outcome measurements and support a comprehensive and inclusive rehabilitation approach.

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Metadaten
Author:Birgit Prodinger, A. P. Weise, L. Shaw, T. A. Stamm
URL:https://doi.org/10.3109/09638280903071883
Parent Title (English):Disability and Rehabilitation
Document Type:Article (peer reviewed)
Language:English
Publication Year:2010
Tag:Consensus method; Contextual factors; Disability and health; ICF; Patient perspective
Volume:32
Issue:3
First Page:183
Last Page:195
Peer reviewed:Ja
faculties / departments:Fakultät für Angewandte Gesundheits- und Sozialwissenschaften
Dewey Decimal Classification:6 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften / 61 Medizin und Gesundheit / 610 Medizin und Gesundheit