Work Productivity Loss After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Occupational Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) can impact an individual's ability to return to work (RTW) and maintain productivity.
• Understanding the long-term consequences of MTBI on employment is crucial for effective rehabilitation and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the completeness of RTW and the extent of productivity loss in individuals who have returned to work after an MTBI.
• To identify factors associated with productivity loss among those with a complete RTW.

Main Methods:

• A multisite prospective cohort study involving 79 employed patients with MTBI.
• Participants were assessed 6 to 8 months post-injury using structured interviews and validated questionnaires including the British Columbia Postconcussion Symptom Inventory (BC-PSI) and Lam Employment Absence and Productivity Scale (LEAPS).
• Complete RTW was defined as returning to preinjury job duties or a comparable new role.

Main Results:

• Of 46 patients who returned to work, 33 (71.7%) achieved a complete RTW.
• Those with complete RTW frequently reported postconcussional syndrome (44.5%) and comorbid conditions like depression (18.2%), anxiety (24.2%), and pain (30.3%).
• Significant productivity loss was reported, including reduced work output (60.6%) and increased errors (42.4%), predicted by postconcussional syndrome and psychiatric comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of individuals who RTW after MTBI experience residual symptoms and psychiatric complications.
• These factors contribute to underemployment and significant productivity loss, even with a complete return to work.
• Further interventions are needed to address these persistent issues and improve long-term employment outcomes after MTBI.