Effective return-to-work interventions after acquired brain injury: A systematic review
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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Birgit H P M Donker-Cools1,2, Joost G Daams1, Haije Wind1,2
1a Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Coronel Institute of Occupational Health , Amsterdam , the Netherlands.
Objective:
To gather knowledge about effective return-to-work (RTW) interventions for patients with acquired brain injury (ABI).
Methods:
A database search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library using keywords and Medical Subject Headings. Studies were included if they met inclusion criteria: adult patients with non-progressive ABI, working pre-injury and an intervention principally designed to improve RTW as an outcome. The methodological quality of included studies was determined and evidence was assessed qualitatively.
Results:
Twelve studies were included, of which five were randomized controlled trials and seven were cohort studies. Nine studies had sufficient methodological quality. There is strong evidence that work-directed interventions in combination with education/coaching are effective regarding RTW and there are indicative findings for the effectiveness of work-directed interventions in combination with skills training and education/coaching. Reported components of the most effective interventions were tailored approach, early intervention, involvement of patient and employer, work or workplace accommodations, work practice and training of social and work-related skills, including coping and emotional support.
Conclusion And Implications:
Effective RTW interventions for patients with ABI are a combination of work-directed interventions, coaching/education and/or skills training. These interventions have the potential to facilitate sustained RTW for patients with ABI.
