Related Experiment Videos
Costs of operating a supported work program for traumatically brain-injured individuals
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Supported employment programs for individuals with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) require significant staff time for job stabilization and ongoing support. Most costs are associated with on-site training and advocacy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Health Economics
Background:
- Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often result in long-term disability.
- Return-to-work programs are crucial for the reintegration of individuals with TBI.
- Supported employment offers a structured approach to assist individuals with TBI in vocational settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a preliminary cost analysis of a supported employment program for individuals with severe TBI.
- To identify the primary cost drivers within the return-to-work program.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of program costs over nearly three years.
- Tracking staff intervention time and associated expenses.
- Categorization of staff time into job stabilization, follow-along, and advocacy.
Main Results:
- Job stabilization required a mean of 237.8 staff hours, costing +6896.
- Ongoing support averaged 1.64 hours per week, costing +47.56.
- Over 68% of total staff time and costs were dedicated to job-site training and advocacy.
Conclusions:
- Supported employment for TBI survivors is resource-intensive, particularly regarding job-site training and advocacy.
- Cost-effectiveness should consider client-specific needs, program design, and achieved outcomes.
- Findings can inform policy decisions for state and agency-level return-to-work initiatives.