Abstract
Introduction: The Work Ability Programme (2020–2023) aims to integrate a multi-sectoral service package model into an upcoming social and health care system in Finland. It is executed in twenty-two municipal or regional projects across the country. The projects aim to strengthen networks between various operators in public, private and third sectors concerning e.g., social and health care, unemployment, and social security services. They seek to improve service paths towards employment by using a customer-oriented approach. This presentation is part of the multi-method evaluation study entity of the programme. Currently, more knowledge on the execution of multi-sectoral service arrangements is needed.
Aims, Objectives, Theory or Methods: The objective is to inform in detail about preliminary findings of the evaluation study in relation to customer-oriented multi-sectoral services for people with partial work ability. This includes information about the collaboration and expectations concerning multi-sectoral work ability services among employees and other providers. Additionally, different ways of implementing work ability service measures in the clinical service setting are investigated in the programme’s regional development projects. Furthermore, preliminary findings are presented about the clientele of work ability service interventions and their labour market statuses and service transitions. The data is collected with repeated questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
Highlights or Results or Key Findings: The collaboration between different services is in a key role in the projects of the Work Ability Programme. Service supply for people with partial work ability can be widened for example by creating new collaborative networks between services and professionals from different fields to support people with multiple service needs.
The study utilizes results from different sources. First, based on a client’s service use during the program, a multi-sectoral service typology will be developed, presented, and linked to client’s background information (e.g., sociodemographic information and previous service use) along with information on their service pathways and labour market outcomes. Secondly, to better understand the multi-sectoral service collaboration processes and impact of different surroundings, data collected from surveys sent for service providers is further analysed to recognize possible barriers, opportunities and other features for effective implementation of multi-sectoral work ability service.
Conclusions: The aim is to present an overall view of the current state, development work and preliminary findings within the Work Ability Programme evaluation study. The study provides insights and innovations concerning implementation of multi-sectoral and interdisciplinary approaches and information about the service pathways of people with partial work ability.
Implications for applicability/transferability, sustainability, and limitations: The evaluation study follows a naturalistic study design and there can be factors affecting selection bias e.g., the self-selection bias. However, study provides novel information concerning multi-sectoral service arrangements and outcomes. This can be especially relevant in the Nordic context, when developing new services for people with partial work ability.