The impact of SAILS Workforce Development Program on perception of job-specific competency and global self-esteem for youth with chronic illnesses

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A Northwestern University Capstone Project

Abstract

Objective:To measure the impact of the SAILS (Supporting Adolescents with Independent Life Skills) WorkforceDevelopment Program on the perception of job competency and global self-esteem of the participants living with a chronic illness or illnesses. Methods: Previous Lurie Childrens Hospital (LCH) patients, aged 18-24, participated in the SAILS Workforce Development program from 2016 to 2017 were selected for this study. The program is a 120 hour paid work experience at a department within the hospital. Data was collected by the LCH transition team, where patients were administered paper-based self-reported surveys both pre- and post- program.The Susan Harter Self-Perception Profile for Emerging Adults was used for the intake and the exit survey to measure self-esteem and perceived job competence,and the Stanford SPS-6 Presentism Scale was used for the exit survey to measure presenteeism. The total scores of the Susan Harter Self-Perception Profile for emerging Adults pre- and post programs were compared using a two-tailed paired t-test.Results: A total of 12 participant data was reviewed and analyzed. The SAILS program may have had a positive effect on the participant's ability to manage their medication and treatment plan. It appears that more than average job days are missed for these youth with a chronic illness. In both the "Job or occupational competence" and "Global self-esteem" subscales of the Susan Harter Self-Perception Profile, the post-program survey scored higher compared to the pre-program survey, however, the findings did not reach statistical significance. The findings also demonstrate high scores on the Presenteeism Scale.Discussion: Despite the modest sample size, results suggested a positive impact on the program participants' general self-esteem and presenteeism. This indicates the beneficial impact of the SAILS Workforce Development program itself. Further research focusing on various types of chronic illnesses that affect youth in specific ways is needed to understand the disease-specific factors and its impact on work.

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