Return to work for severely injured survivors of the Christchurch earthquake: influences in the first 2 years

Abstract

Purpose: This study looked at the influences on the return to work (RTW) in the first 2 years for people severely injured in the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Method: We used a constructivist grounded theory approach using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 14 people injured in the earthquake. Results: Analysis elicited three themes that appeared to influence the process of RTW following the Christchurch earthquake. Living the earthquake experience, the individual’s experiences of the earthquake and how their injury framed their expectations; rebuilding normality, the desire of the participants to return to life as it was; while dealing with the secondary effects of the earthquake includes the earthquake specific effects which were both barriers and facilitators to returning to work. Conclusion: The consequences of the earthquake impacted on experience, process and outcome of RTW for those injured in the Christchurch Earthquake. Work and RTW appeared key tools to enhance recovery after serious injury following the earthquake.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The altered physical, social and economic environment must be considered when working on the return to work (RTW) of individuals with earthquake injuries.

• Providing tangible emotional and social support so injured earthquake survivors feel safe in their workplace may facilitate RTW.

• Engaging early with employers may assist the RTW of injured earthquake survivors.

• Earthquake
• grounded theory
• return to work
• trauma

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Anne Sinnott, Viki Robinson, and Alieke Dierckx for their assistance with recruitment of the participants for the study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. This research was supported through a University of Otago PhD Scholarship and Lima Orthopaedics.