Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS