Families as System Actors in Discovery: Embedding Co-Production Within the Equilibrium Systems Model of Employment

Peter Smith

Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9888-8113 (unauthenticated)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.1.202

Abstract

Background: Discovery is a core practice within Customised Employment, intended to identify the strengths, interests, and support needs of people with disability to inform meaningful employment pathways. Despite strong evidence that families influence employment outcomes, their role within Discovery remains informal, inconsistent, and largely untheorised.

Aim: This paper examines the role of families within Discovery and proposes a structured model for embedding family involvement as a core component of inclusive employment practice.

Methods: Drawing on the Equilibrium Systems Model of Employment (ESME), international literature, and applied practice experience, the paper develops the Family Discovery Model as a conceptual and practice-informed framework. The model is examined in relation to co-production theory, Customised Employment fidelity, and contemporary disability employment policy contexts.

Results: The Family Discovery Model positions families as system actors who contribute through narrative building, network mapping, and collaborative reflection. These functions strengthen employment planning, improve alignment between participant goals and service delivery, and enhance system coherence. Practice-based vignettes demonstrate how structured family involvement can support school-to-work transitions, movement from segregated employment, and pathway development for individuals with complex support needs.

Conclusion: Embedding families as co-producers within Discovery offers a practical and scalable mechanism for strengthening rehabilitation practice and advancing inclusive employment systems. By operationalising family involvement within a structured framework, the model supports improved employment outcomes, greater fidelity to Customised Employment principles, and stronger alignment with contemporary disability policy objectives.

Keywords: customised employment, family involvement, disability employment, co-production, systems theory, rehabilitation

Full Text Article

Impact of Information and Communication technology use on well-being of older adults in the (post)Covid-19 pandemic

Nikolaj Lipič

Alma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology 

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7370-3188 (unauthenticated)

Mitja Bagari

University Alma Mater Europaea, Department of Social Gerontology 

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2263-5162 (unauthenticated)

Nejc Krašovec

University Alma Mater Europaea, Department of Social Gerontology 

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7594-9089 (unauthenticated)

Marija Ovsenik

University Alma Mater Europaea, Department of Social Gerontology 

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3482-0386 (unauthenticated)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.1.219

Abstract

Introduction: The period during and after the Covid-19 pandemic is marked by accelerated digitalization and digital transformation. For most older adults, use of Information and Communication technology (ICT) presents numerous challenges and dilemmas, as well as facing hardships and dangers. The latter affects well-being of older adults. Therefore, primary objective of the study is to examine ICT use impact on well-being of older adults in the (post) Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods: Qualitative research approach was applied, as data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth and individual interviews with 15 older adults aged between 65 and 87. Collected data was analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis.

Results: Older adults have different perceptions of impact of increased ICT use on their well-being during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Some reported positive effects of increased ICT use on their well-being, particularly in maintaining social contacts, greater connections with others and improved accessibility of communication during limited in-person contact. Greater digital confidence was also mentioned. Increased ICT use during the pandemic was not a universal experience for all older adults.

Conclusion: Older adults, who use ICT moderately or regularly, ICT use maintained or even encouraged their well-being, while for some it had no effect. Recommendations of older adults for decision-makers in the field of digitalization and well-being of older adults are an important contribution of the study. Basic digital literacy of older adults, while taking into account circumstances of their well-being, is also an important factor of the study.

Keywords: well-being, ICT use, older adults, digitalization, digital transformation, Covid-19, satisfaction, digital self-confidence

Full Text Article

Socio-Gerontological Perspectives on Disease-Modifying Alzheimer’s Therapies (Lecanemab): A Delphi Study in Central Europe

Natasa Standeker

Alma Mater Europaea University 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4404-0907 (unauthenticated)

Šefik Salkunič

Alma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology, Maribor, Slovenia University Clinical Centre Maribor 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5862-202X (unauthenticated)

Jana Goriup

Alma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology, Maribor, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8926-084X (unauthenticated)

Kristijan Jejčič

Alma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology, Maribor, Slovenia

Mateja BerčanAlma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology, Maribor, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1157-876X (unauthenticated)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.1.222

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines experts forecasts on societal, ethical, and structural challenges of DMT introduction in Austria, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina—countries differing in care models and cultural attitudes toward dementia.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore experts perspectives on the societal, ethical, and systemic implications of introducing disease-modifying Alzheimer’s therapies in Central European care contexts.

Methods: A three-round Delphi study engaged 10 multidisciplinary experts . The panel included three full professors (PhD) specialising in sociology, law and psychology, three medical doctors (MD) with specialisations in psychiatry, gerontology and geriatrics, two associate professors (PhD) in social gerontology, and one professor of public health (PhD).

Results: Strong consensus emerged on six priorities: (1) public and professional awareness/education (x̄=9.71), (2) tailored long-term care models (x̄=9.71), (3) faster drug access (x̄=9.43), (4) open dialogue to reduce stigma (x̄=8.57), (5) integrating cultural beliefs and funding (x̄=8.29), and (6) accessibility despite pricing (x̄=8.29).

Conclusion: Despite systemic disparities, experts across contexts identified shared challenges. Successful DMT integration demands culturally sensitive destigmatization, professional training, and community-based LTC adaptation.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Lecanemab, Delphi method, Long-term care, Health equity, Social gerontology

Full Text Article

Cognitive-Communicative Differences Between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Aging: A Comparative Study Using the SCCAN

Kostadin Chompalov

Medical University of Plovdiv https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4636-1384 (unauthenticated)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.1.207

Abstract

Aim: To examine cognitive-communicative functioning in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD) and compare performance with cognitively healthy older adults using the Bulgarian-adapted version of the Scales of Cognitive and Communicative Ability for Neurorehabilitation (SCCAN-BG).

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 60 participants: 30 individuals with MCI-AD and 30 cognitively healthy controls comparable in education. Cognitive-communicative functioning was assessed across SCCAN domains, including orientation, memory, attention, oral expression, auditory and reading comprehension, writing, and problem solving. Group differences were analysed using non-parametric statistical methods.

Results: Overall SCCAN performance was lower in the MCI-AD group. Consistent group differences were observed in memory, attention, oral expression, and problem solving. These differences suggest reduced efficiency in tasks that require integrated cognitive-communicative processing. Reading comprehension and writing were largely preserved. Auditory comprehension showed a non-significant trend towards lower performance in the MCI-AD group.

Conclusion: Cognitive-communicative changes are evident at the MCI-AD stage and extend beyond memory impairment alone. The SCCAN-BG captures early, functionally relevant vulnerability in everyday communication. This supports its use for clinical monitoring and rehabilitation-oriented decision-making in populations at risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related cognitive decline.

Keywords: cognitive-communicative functioning, Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease, healthy aging, clinical monitoring, SCCAN

Full Text Article

New Issue Published – Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Volume 5, Issue 1 (2026)

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that today June 7th, the publication of the latest issue of the Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS):

Volume 5, Issue 1 (2026)

This issue features a diverse collection of original research articles, reviews, case studies, and scholarly contributions addressing contemporary topics in health sciences, rehabilitation, disability studies, education, and related interdisciplinary fields.

We invite you to explore the new issue at:

JHRS Volume 5, Issue 1 (2026)

We encourage you to read, share, and cite the published articles. Your continued support as authors, reviewers, readers, and members of our scholarly community contributes significantly to the growth and impact of the journal.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and readers for their valuable contributions and continued trust in JHRS.

We look forward to receiving your future submissions and to continuing our mission of advancing high-quality research in health and rehabilitation sciences.

With best wishes,

Editor-in-Chief

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS)

Journal Website:

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Current Issue:

Volume 5, Issue 1 (2026)

Submit Your Manuscript:

Online Submission System

The Interplay of Patient Demographics, Pain and Quality of Life in Chronic Low Back Pain Management Through Physiotherapy

Helena Blažun Vošner 

Community Health Center dr. Adolf Drolc, Maribor, Slovenia 

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1998-7346

Jernej Završnik 

Community Health Center dr. Adolf Drolc, Maribor, Slovenia 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5023-0483

Grega Žlahtič 

University of Maribor, FERI, Maribor, Slovenia 

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7773-5953

Peter Kokol 

Univeristy of Maribor, FERI, Maribor, Slovenia 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9102-9359
Urška Šajnovič 

Community Health Center dr. Adolf Drolc, Maribor, Slovenia

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8834-3811

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.4.2.182

Abstract

Background: Chronic Lower Back Pain (CLBP) represents a pandemic diagnosis of contemporary society. Pain is a multidimensional personal experience influenced by various interrelated subjective and objective factors. In this study, we examined the impact of physiotherapeutic treatment on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with CLBP.

Methods: Multiple linear regression analysis, Paired Student's t-test, and Pearson Correlation were used to statistically analyse data collected through various measurement instruments: a demographic questionnaire, 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument (SF-36v2) and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). A total of 123 participants (29 males, 94 females) with CLBP were included in the study, undergoing physiotherapeutic rehabilitation lasting eight working days.

Results: The findings indicate positive associations between Age, Education level, Female gender with QoL, while negative associations were observed between BMI, work experience, and Difference in pain with QoL. In the study, only SF36 dimensions showed statistically significant improvements following physiotherapy in individuals with chronic low back pain namely Pain Reduction, Social functioning and Physical Functioning.

Conclusion: The results provide a solid foundation for further professional and scientific research in this field, as well as for the complex multidisciplinary collaboration between physiotherapy and medical sciences

Keywords: Chronic lower back pain, Quality of Life, Physiotherapy

Full Text Article

JHRS established cooperation with Contrimetrics

Dear readers,

I am glad to announce you that today we signed and agreement with Contrimetric.

What is Contrimetric?

Contrimetric.com appears to be the online presence of Contrimetric, an academic and research support tool designed primarily for the scholarly ecosystem, particularly journal publishers, researchers, and academic institutions. Based on available information, here are the key benefits and features associated with Contrimetric:

1. Enhanced Citation and Research Impact Tracking

Contrimetric is an AI-powered bibliometric enhancement tool that helps track and analyse citation data in ways that go beyond traditional citation counts. It focuses on measuring how individual research articles contribute to broader citation metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor (JIF). This can provide deeper insight into the influence of specific scholarly works within the academic community. 

2. Improved Discoverability and Visibility of Research

One of the main advantages of Contrimetric is that it aims to increase the visibility of research articles by making citation and engagement data more accessible in real time. This can help journals, authors, and institutions better understand which works are attracting attention and how they are being engaged with across different platforms.

3. Real-Time Metrics and Insights

Unlike traditional bibliometric indicators that may lag behind publication activity, Contrimetric reportedly provides more immediate data on scholarly attention, helping users assess article influence shortly after publication. This improves responsiveness for authors and editors monitoring their work’s reach. 

4. Support for Editors and Editorial Teams

The plugin or backend system serves editorial staff by enabling monitoring and analysis of citation patterns, readership behaviour, and related performance measures. This can support editorial decisions related to promotion, solicitation of submissions, and strategic development of journal portfolios. 

5. Complementary to Traditional Bibliometrics

Contrimetric does not replace conventional metrics but adds value by offering an alternative lens on research impact, emphasizing contribution and engagement metrics rather than simple citation counts. This complements existing frameworks like h-index or Journal Impact Factor with richer, data-driven insights. 

6. Integration with Research Workflows

The platform appears to incorporate features such as ORCID login support and backend dashboards, suggesting it can integrate smoothly with researcher identifiers and existing publishing workflows — potentially making it easier for users to adopt and manage their research analytics.

JHRS Editor-in-Chief

Experiences of People with Motor Disabilities and Visual Impairments in Croatia with Assistive Technology

Renata Pinjatela 

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5601-1425

Sonja Alimović 

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2122-7944

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.4.2.181

Abstract

Introduction: Assistive technology (AT) is a term that encompasses assistive products, and the systems and services associated with them. Despite existing legislation and the fact that AT is an important part of this process, there are many barriers to access AT. The purpose of this study is to explore the differences in the evaluation of the assistive technology (AT) availability and the AT services quality in Croatia between people with visual impairments (IwVI) and people with motor disabilities (IwMD).

Methods: We created an online questionnaire about knowledge of AT, previous training and the need for further training, and the benefits and challenges regarding AT. In addition to the online questionnaire, we obtained qualitative data on AT use.

Results: The results show that most participants were not aware of AT before they started using it but also did not know about their rights to benefits and the purchase of AT. Participants reported financial problems in purchasing assistive devices and were forced to fund AT from their own resources or through donations. Many of the participants, regardless of the type of disability, had and still have problems with AT that are not adapted to their personal abilities and needs.

Conclusion: To improve access to AT and the quality of services, it is necessary to bring together professionals and experienced AT users who will disseminate accurate and trustworthy information to ensure the best cost-benefit ratio of AT for individuals with different disabilities.

Keywords: Quality of assistive technology services, people with visual impairments, people with motor disabilities

Full Text Article

Exploring an inclusive educational program within Higher Education for individual with Intellectual Disabilities

Catherine Kelly Mason 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7327-6452

Vicki Anderson 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3376-7599

Louise Bennett 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0311-2959

Martina Gooney 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1499-3472

Sara Kennedy 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6132-0735

Cathy Pembroke 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6955-2722

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.4.2.180

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID) have traditionally been excluded from Higher Education (HE). As HE moves towards more inclusive practices for individuals with ID, there is a need to capture the experience of support staff implementing and facilitating such programs. This paper explores an inclusive educational program within higher level designed specifically for individuals with an ID from support staff’s perspective.

Methods: A qualitative design was employed, utilising a focus group interview and purposive sampling to gather in-depth insights.

Results: This study highlights the transformative potential of an inclusive program in HE for students, staff, the University and the wider community. Findings demonstrate that when educational environments can embrace co-creation, collaboration, and a values-driven approach, students have the opportunity to experience meaningful growth in their confidence, self-esteem, social integration and capacity. Staff and peers are further provided with opportunities to challenge assumptions, increase understanding and gain renewed perspectives on teaching, learning and inclusion. However, despite the evident benefits, without secure investment, sustained policy commitment and a systemic culture change, such opportunities are limited.

Conclusion: This study has implications for the further development and sustainability of inclusive education for individuals with ID in HE nationally and internationally. Further research to examine student perspectives is warranted, to inform the future development and delivery of inclusive programs for individuals with an ID.

Keywords: Inclusive education, Higher Education, Intellectual Disability, Empowerment, co-creation, collaboration, confidence, support staff

Full Text Article

Enhancing the Visibility and Impact of JHRS Publications

Dear Members of the JHRS Editorial Board and Prospective Authors,

We are pleased to inform you that Issue 2, Volume 4 of the Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS) was officially published on 20th December. The issue is available at the following LINK.

Please note that the submission deadline for the forthcoming issue is 31st January.

I would like to draw your attention to the increasing importance of social media and academic networking platforms in contemporary scientific publishing. A growing body of evidence indicates that articles which are shared, mentioned, cited, and linked across social and scholarly platforms—such as Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Mendeley, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and similar networks—tend to achieve greater visibility and higher citation rates than those that are not actively disseminated.

I therefore kindly encourage all of you to share and promote your previously published articles in JHRS via your personal and professional online profiles. This can be done very easily: on the right-hand menu of the JHRS website, you will find social media sharing buttons that allow you to disseminate any article of interest with just one click. The entire process takes less than one minute, yet it can have a meaningful impact.

By doing so, you will contribute to:

• increasing the visibility and citation potential of individual JHRS articles,
• strengthening the international reach and scientific impact of the journal, and
• enhancing the overall dissemination of research in the field of health and rehabilitation sciences.

I personally and actively promote numerous JHRS articles through both my personal and journal-related social media accounts, and I strongly believe that collective engagement will further amplify our shared success.

We are also proud to note that JHRS is indexed in several important international databases, including Scopus, EBSCO, ScienceOpen, ERIH PLUS, Hinari and more others.

Finally, we warmly encourage you to consider submitting new manuscripts to JHRS in the near future. We would be honored to receive your scholarly contributions.

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration.

With kind regards,

Editor-in-Chief

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences