The effect of a workplace intervention programme on return to work after stroke: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Stroke survivors often face challenges returning to employment.
• Gauteng province, South Africa, has a significant population of stroke survivors.
• Limited research exists on workplace interventions for stroke survivors in this region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a tailored workplace intervention program.
• To determine the impact on the return-to-work rate of stroke survivors.
• To assess secondary outcomes including daily living activities, mobility, cognition, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Eighty employed stroke survivors (aged 18-60) participated.
• The intervention group received tailored workplace support; the control group received usual care.

Main Results:

• The intervention group achieved a 60% return-to-work rate versus 20% in the control group at six months (P <0.001).
• The odds of returning to work were 5.2 times higher for the intervention group.
• Improvements in activities of daily living and cognitive scores were associated with increased odds of return to work.

Conclusions:

• A workplace intervention program, including assessments and visits, effectively facilitated return to work for stroke survivors.
• The intervention positively impacted functional abilities and quality of life.
• This approach offers a viable strategy for supporting the vocational reintegration of stroke survivors in South Africa.