Project

KUURA - Työhön kytkeytyvä kuntoutus työurien pidentäjänä

Project sponsors

Abbreviation
KUURA-hanke
Project type
Development project
Focus area
Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation
Implementation time
1.3.2020 - 30.6.2023
Project unit
School of Health and Social Studies
Financing program
European Social Fund (ESF)
Project description

Main objective of the project
 
The main objective of the project was to create a comprehensive information package on work-related rehabilitation and, as part of it, a work modification model through collaborative development work. Additionally, the aim was to develop the skills of rehabilitation professionals and workplace operators in work-related rehabilitation in order to be able to support employees' work ability so that careers could be lengthened and productivity improved.

Implementation

During the project, multidisciplinary and multiprofessional cooperation was established with several organisations, experts and workplaces in different fields through collaborative development work. The aim was to bring together actors in rehabilitation, occupational health care and work organisations, and to build a common understanding, strengthen skills and support the dissemination of good practices.

The information package on work-related rehabilitation and, as part of it, the work modification model were created together with experts from the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, the University of Oulu and the Oulu University of Applied Sciences, who took part in the project, as well as 24 workplaces of varying sizes and from different sectors involved in the project. The workplaces involved collected information on the baseline and skill needs through surveys, interviews and group work.Staff members responded to an initial survey, while the management responded to both an initial and final survey. In addition, the workplace change support team participated in an interview. Preliminary assignments connected to the workshops carried out as part of the project, discussions at the workshops and feedback surveys provided information about the needs of workplaces.

A total of 24 workplaces from different sectors participated in the pilot of the information package. The project steering group also took part in the piloting.

Project results
Results

The project produced an information package on work-related rehabilitation, a work modification model and tools to support the introduction of policies that promote individuals' ability to work. The three forms of change support include the planning phase of change, the implementation phase of change and the interaction planning form. In addition, a planning form was created for work modification, and supervisors and employees can use it to plan specific work modification measures. The information package contains three videos that can be used as independent tools, for example in the marketing and implementation of the information package, in the orientation of supervisors and work ability support professionals, and as training material by different operators.

The materials and tools produced in the project, such as the information package materials, the work modification model and the related electronic materials and videos, form a set of open learning material to be shared. The material can be used by workplaces, occupational health care providers, pension insurers, professionals providing work ability support and training organisations. It is also suitable for third-sector operators and entrepreneurs' organisations. 

The material has been published in Finnish and Swedish for free use by everyone on the websites of the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health as part of their open learning materials.