Vocational rehabilitation: Facilitating evidence based practice through participatory action research

Abstract

Background

Improving vocational rehabilitation in line with the current evidence base is an area of considerable interest.

Aims

To describe the strategies used by a multidisciplinary team in the initial stages of a participatory action research (PAR) approach to improving a vocational rehabilitation service.

Method

A literature review and PAR process were completed. One hundred and fifteen participants engaged in multifaceted data collection and analysis, building consensus around key principles for a new vocational rehabilitation service.

Results

A synthesis of our literature review and PAR process was developed into a set of principles for practice which we plan to implement across the service.

Conclusions

We have developed methodologies in interdisciplinary collaborations spanning statutory and non-statutory services. We have developed a set of principles for practice and detailed plans for implementation are being drawn up to inform provision in the future.

Keywords:

• evidence-based practice
• focus groups
• health care
• users' experiences
• interviews
• semistructured
• research
• action
• mental health and illness
• systematic reviews