[Return to work after brain lesions: cognitive and behavioral factors]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Health

Context:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke survivors often face challenges in returning to work (RTW).
• Understanding factors influencing RTW is crucial for effective patient management.
• Current RTW rates are suboptimal, highlighting a need for improved rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose:

• To identify factors associated with successful return to work (RTW) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke.
• To outline key components of vocational rehabilitation for these patient populations.
• To evaluate the impact of case management on RTW outcomes.

Summary:

• RTW success rates are approximately 40% for TBI and 25% for stroke.
• Positive predictors include pre-injury status, cognitive/social abilities, and absence of behavioral issues.
• Stroke RTW is linked to normal neurological and cognitive functions.
• Vocational rehabilitation should focus on cognitive retraining, behavioral strategies, and work adaptation.
• Case management models with early, coordinated care can double RTW rates.

Impact:

• Provides evidence-based insights for clinicians and policymakers to enhance RTW programs.
• Highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in neurorehabilitation.
• Offers strategies to improve employment outcomes and quality of life for TBI and stroke survivors.