Return to Work Factors Following a Stroke

Abstract

The literature on the success rate for return to work after stroke reflects wide variability. Black-Schaffer and Osberg (1990) review of the literature on return to work after a stroke attributed these variances to 1) differing definitions of return to work; 2) patients of different ages having different results; 3) differences in rehabilitation programs; and 4) cultural factors such as availability of help from family, nature of the disability, and compensation affecting return to work. This article analyzes medical and demographic data of 200 inpatients and outpatients seen by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Vocational Rehabilitation Program over a four-year period. These patients had a stroke diagnosis and were 65 years old or younger. Data on variables considered of potential significance in predicting vocational outcomes were collected. Vocational outcomes were documented at case closure. Factors were analyzed to determine if they were fixed or could be changed through rehabilitation interventions.

Keywords:

• return to work factors
• stroke
• vocational outcomes
• vocational rehabilitation