Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease most commonly affecting women. It influences all areas of human activity related to self-care, leisure and work. Work is one of the important activities in a person's life, enabling them financial security, a sense of security and protection. In most cases, people with multiple sclerosis leave their jobs three years after being diagnosed. In the context of vocational rehabilitation professionals, through their knowledge and strategies for managing symptoms and adjusting their workplace, enable people to stay in their workplace for as long as possible. Aim: Our intention was to find out different occupational therapy strategies to support people with multiple sclerosis in their work environment. Methodology: A qualitative research method was used with a systematic review of literature in Slovene or English language published from 2009 to 2019. 7 articles were reviewed and analysed in detail. Results: Occupational therapy strategies designed for people with multiple sclerosis are focused on two levels: the level of symptom management and the level of work performance within the working environment and adaptation of different aspects of it. Discussion and conclusion: Occupational therapy roles and strategies for people with multiple sclerosis within the work environment include: support at symptom management (assessing if employee’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects match the requirements of his or her work tasks and work environment); workplace measurements (analysis and evaluation of the workplace, evaluation of the work environment, advising the employer on appropriate adjustments, defining work tasks that person can perform independently); importance of early treatment (at the initial interview occupational therapist asks persons with multiple sclerosis about their impairments in a manner to encourage the individual to think about the way MS symptoms influence its work) and support in the transition to retirement (creating a plan for termination of work activities, encouraging maintaining social relationships within a wider society). With their professional knowledge occupational therapists enable people with MS to stay independent and effective at executing work tasks for as long as possible. They enable them to stay mobile for a longer period on the workplace and also independent in commuting to and from work. Further research is needed on larger samples to accurately confirm obtained results.
|
