Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
23.9K
Managing fatigue at work after traumatic brain injury: a qualitative descriptive study
Sarah Lillas1, Jean Hay-Smith, William Levack
1Department of Medicine, Rehabilitation Teaching & Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
Summary
People returning to work after traumatic brain injury (TBI) learn to manage TBI-related fatigue by recognizing
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Fatigue is a frequent consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- TBI-related fatigue significantly hinders the ability to return to and maintain paid employment.
- Limited research exists on workplace fatigue management strategies for individuals with TBI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how individuals manage TBI-related fatigue while working.
- To identify strategies used by employed adults with TBI to maintain productivity.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study design.
- Semi-structured interviews with eight employed adults with recent TBI and fatigue.
- General inductive analysis of interview transcripts.
Main Results:
- Participants identified 'change points' – moments of fatigue symptom awareness.
- They employed a range of strategies to manage fatigue at these change points.
- Strategy selection aimed to minimize impacts on work productivity.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with TBI develop adaptive strategies for managing fatigue at work.
- Recognizing fatigue change points and utilizing a continuum of management options is key.
- Findings can inform guidance for supporting return-to-work transitions post-TBI.
