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Consumer perspectives of vocational rehabilitation and return to work following acquired brain injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 March 2021

Kerrin Watter Open the ORCID record for Kerrin Watter [Opens in a new window] ,
Areti Kennedy ,
Vanette McLennan ,
Jessica Vogler ,
Sarah Jeffery ,
Alena Murray ,
Shelley Ehlers  and
Mandy Nielsen
Kerrin Watter*
Affiliation:
Acquired Brain Injury Transitional Rehabilitation Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia The Hopkins Centre, Division of Rehabilitation, Metro South Health and Menzies Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Areti Kennedy
Affiliation:
Acquired Brain Injury Transitional Rehabilitation Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia The Hopkins Centre, Division of Rehabilitation, Metro South Health and Menzies Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Vanette McLennan
Affiliation:
The Hopkins Centre, Division of Rehabilitation, Metro South Health and Menzies Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Jessica Vogler
Affiliation:
Acquired Brain Injury Transitional Rehabilitation Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia
Sarah Jeffery
Affiliation:
Acquired Brain Injury Transitional Rehabilitation Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia
Alena Murray
Affiliation:
Acquired Brain Injury Transitional Rehabilitation Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia
Shelley Ehlers
Affiliation:
Acquired Brain Injury Transitional Rehabilitation Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia
Mandy Nielsen
Affiliation:
Acquired Brain Injury Transitional Rehabilitation Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia The Hopkins Centre, Division of Rehabilitation, Metro South Health and Menzies Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
*
*Corresponding author. Email: kerrin.watter@health.qld.gov.au
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Abstract

Introduction:

Following acquired brain injury, the goal of return to work is common. While return to work is supported through different rehabilitation models and services, access to vocational rehabilitation varies within and between countries, and global rates of employment post-injury remain low. The literature identifies outcomes from vocational programs and experiences with return to work, yet little is known about individuals’ perceptions and experiences regarding rehabilitation to support their vocational goals and experiences in attempting to return to work.

Method:

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of community-living adults with acquired brain injury (n = 8; mean age 45 years; mean time post-injury of 5.5 years) regarding their vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted, with data analyzed via thematic analysis.

Results:

Participants identified negative and positive experiences with vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Five overarching themes were identified: addressing vocational rehabilitation in rehabilitation; facilitators of recovery and return to work; the importance and experience of working again; acquired brain injury and identity; and services, systems and policies. Participants also identified five key areas for early vocational rehabilitation services: education; service provision; employer liaison; workplace supports; and peer mentors. Study findings inform current and future practice and service delivery, at a clinical, service and system level.

Keywords

vocational rehabilitationrehabilitationreturn to workconsumer
Type
Original Article
Information
Brain Impairment , Volume 23 , Issue 2 , September 2022 , pp. 164 - 184
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment

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