Experiences of returning to work after acquired brain injury

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore experiences of returning to work after rehabilitation, from the viewpoint of people with acquired brain injury. A purposive sampling of eight informants was made, and data were collected through personal interviews with open questions. The data were then analysed through qualitative content analyses in five steps, resulting in four main categories of experiences: “A new person”, “Stimulants and fellowship”, “Understanding and support”, and “To reach insight” with appurtenant sub-categories. The overarching theme was “Returning to work after acquired brain injury is a long process”. The conclusion of this study is that returning to work after acquired brain injury requires motivated individuals, flexible work, accommodating labour management, and prolonged environmental support. This study also shows that the informants need support for a long period of time to reach a balance and to obtain a functional working role. In order to achieve this, client-centred rehabilitation, professional teamwork, and longer follow-up periods than those of today are required.

• Environmental support
• occupational rehabilitation
• outpatient rehabilitation team
• qualitative study
• work rehabilitation