Return to work after acquired brain injury: a patient perspective

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Acquired brain injury (ABI) presents significant challenges to vocational rehabilitation.
• Understanding patient perspectives is crucial for effective return-to-work strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key factors supporting vocational rehabilitation from the patient's viewpoint after acquired brain injury.
• To compare patient and professional perspectives on vocational rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Conducted two focus group interviews with former patients who had sustained an acquired brain injury.
• Performed one focus group interview with rehabilitation professionals (occupational therapists, psychologists).
• Interviewed fourteen employed individuals with acquired brain injury.

Main Results:

• Identified two major themes: Personal factors and Societal factors influencing return to work.
• Six main categories emerged: Self-continuity, Coping, Social factors, Rehabilitation intervention, Professionalism, and Health insurance.
• Treatment duration was highlighted as critical for utilizing individual resources during rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Successful return to work post-ABI results from synergistic interactions between personal and societal factors.
• Societal support enhances the utilization of personal resources for re-employment.
• Vocational rehabilitation is intrinsically linked to the individual's capacity, societal context, and living environment.