Return to work among elderly patients with acquired brain injuries

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Acquired brain injuries (ABI) present significant challenges for patients' return to work (RTW).
• Limited data exists on RTW rates for elderly individuals with ABI compared to working-age populations.
• Assessing factors influencing RTW is crucial for effective employment support programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the return to work (RTW) rates between elderly and working-age patients with acquired brain injuries (ABI).
• To identify significant factors influencing RTW in these patient groups.
• To evaluate the feasibility of workplace reintegration for elderly individuals post-ABI.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study design was employed, following inpatients with ABI post-discharge.
• Clinical data and health/employment support program participation were collected.
• Statistical analyses, including chi-squared tests and Kaplan-Meier curves, were used to compare RTW rates and influencing factors between age groups and occupation types.

Main Results:

• The elderly group exhibited a higher RTW rate (89%) compared to the working-age group (74%), though not statistically significant (p=0.149).
• Occupation type was a significant predictor of RTW (p=0.014), with most elderly participants in white-collar or less physically demanding roles.
• Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significantly higher RTW profile for the elderly group (p<0.039).

Conclusions:

• Elderly patients with acquired brain injuries (ABI) and independent activities of daily living (ADL) demonstrate a higher return to work (RTW) rate than their working-age counterparts.
• Occupation type is a more significant factor than age in determining RTW success post-ABI.
• The findings suggest that elderly individuals with ABI can successfully reintegrate into the workforce, particularly in suitable occupations.