| Chronic pain conditions may seriously impair the quality of life of individuals with disabilities (Bishop, Chapin, & Miller, 2008). Consistent pain worsens daily functioning, and may manifest in the consumer's ability to meet employment obligations (van Hal, Meershoek, Nijhuis, & Hortsman, 2013). Most individuals with disabilities receive medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation services simultaneously (Falvo, 2014). Issues of compliance are critical concerns for both of these providers. For these reasons, medical and vocational rehabilitation professionals share an interest in addressing non-compliance issues in collaborative care for individuals with disabilities (Bishop et al., 2008). Given the annual ;The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of treatment compliance in individuals who are participating in chronic pain treatment and vocational rehabilitation services. The study investigated the interrelationship of compliance factors as they impact consumer outcomes. Process factors represent relational factors such as provider and family supports and include demographic variables (e.g. gender, education, ethnicity and social, economic status). Person factors represent variables such as depression, motivation, and pain level. Context factors of interest are health disparities such as access to resources, transportation, and the cost of treatment. Lastly, for the purpose of this study, age is the time factor measure (Rayner, 2009). The two dependent variables of this research, pain management compliance and vocational rehabilitation services compliance, were measured via the Consumer Medical and Vocational Compliance Survey (CMVCS). Participants were recruited from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Pearson R and regression analyses were conducted on the data using an alpha of .05 and an 80% confidence level. Findings of the study indicate select independent variables are predictors of medical and vocational rehabilitation compliance. Implications for future research, rehabilitation counselor education, and rehabilitation practice are discussed. |
