Return to work following brachial plexus injury: A cross-sectional study
Hazel Brown1,2,3, Kate Kennard1, Rosalyn Tyreman1
1Peripheral Nerve Injury Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK.
Hand Therapy
|November 30, 2023
Summary
Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) often forces employment changes, with over half of patients altering jobs. High workload intensity pre-injury significantly impacts return to work, highlighting rehabilitation needs.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Occupational Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) significantly impacts life satisfaction and psychological well-being, primarily through return to employment.
- Limited research exists on return to work post-BPI, particularly concerning workload intensity's influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of workload intensity on employment status following Brachial Plexus Injury.
- To provide data on employment changes and unemployment rates after BPI.
Main Methods:
- Observational, retrospective study of 74 participants via postal questionnaire.
- Occupational workload intensity assessed using Reichsausschuss für Arbeitszeitermittlung (REFA) classification by two independent assessors.
Main Results:
- 57% of participants changed employment post-BPI.
- Higher pre-injury REFA scores (3 or 4) correlated with increased likelihood of occupation change.
- Complete BPI group (8 participants) had 100% occupation change; Partial BPI group (66 participants) had 50% change.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to link BPI, employment status, and workload intensity.
- Over half of BPI patients changed jobs, and 20% became unemployed.
- Future research should identify factors hindering return to work to improve rehabilitation and healthcare support.
