Utility of the workplace participation domain of the Youth and Young-adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM): Stakeholder’s perspectives

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Assessing workplace participation of people with disability using measures that can inform practice is vital. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of the Youth and Young-adult Participation and Environment Measure’s (Y-PEM) Workplace Participation domain. METHOD: Four focus groups were conducted with 11 stakeholders from different employment-related settings. Open-ended questions regarding Y-PEM’s interpretation, meaning and relevance, drawing on elements of clinical utility, were used. Data were analyzed by two investigators using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Stakeholders’ experience in providing/receiving employment services varied (1– 16 years). Three themes emerged. The Y-PEM captures multiple factors in employment transition; it generates insights and sparks conversations to better appreciate and support individuals’ transitioning to employment. Y-PEM meets the need for tools to guide services of transitioning to employment as it is comprehensive in assessing participation and the environment, can provide a “snapshot” of where the young person is at in their transition, and serves different purposes. The tool provides a “piece of the pie” within this complex process and could be used in conjunction with other tools. CONCLUSION: Y-PEM was perceived as essential, comprehensive, and appropriate for use in clinical and employment-related service contexts to inform practice, and guide stakeholders’ decision-making in facilitating transitioning to employment.