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Published on: February 22, 2020
Determining work outcomes in mild to moderate stroke survivors
Allyson N O'Brien1, Timothy J Wolf
1Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA.
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|August 18, 2010
Summary
Many individuals with mild to moderate stroke do not return to work, and those who do often experience reduced work capacity and chronic symptoms. This challenges previous assumptions about post-stroke work outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Occupational Health
- Stroke Recovery
Background:
- Mild to moderate strokes significantly impact individuals' ability to return to work.
- Previous literature often assumes successful work reintegration for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the work outcomes of individuals who experienced a mild to moderate stroke.
- To evaluate return-to-work rates, job retention, and performance levels post-stroke.
Main Methods:
- 98 participants with mild to moderate stroke (NIHSS 0-16), aged 30-65, who were employed pre-stroke were included.
- The Occupational Outcome Questionnaire (OOQ) was administered via telephone at 6 months post-stroke.
- Verbal consent was obtained prior to data collection.
Main Results:
- 37% of participants did not return to work 6 months post-stroke.
- Of those who returned, 90% resumed their previous jobs immediately, but 56% reported performing at 75% or less of their previous ability.
- The majority experienced chronic stroke-related symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The study disputes the assumption that individuals with mild to moderate strokes readily return to work without specific rehabilitation.
- Findings highlight significant challenges in work capacity and persistent symptoms, even for those who return to employment.
- This underscores the need for tailored work rehabilitation services post-stroke.
