An exploratory prospective study of the association between return to work/study and health and wellbeing outcomes after acquired brain injury

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the provision of an interdisciplinary return to work or study (RTW/S) program for persons with acquired brain injury (ABI) and work/study status, and their health and well-being outcomes. A prospective longitudinal research design was utilised. Nineteen adults with an ABI engaged in an individualised, interdisciplinary RTW/S rehabilitation program. Data was collected on work/study status and the Quality of Life (SF-12™) measure at baseline, program completion, and 3-months post program completion. Immediately after and 3 months’ post intervention, 74% of participants had RTW/S in either full-time or a reduced capacity; one quarter were unemployed or no longer studying. Work/study status at the 3-month post intervention time point did not correlate with the SF-12 although self-reported quality of life did increase following the work/study intervention. Involvement in an interdisciplinary RTW/S rehabilitation program demonstrates promise, and is associated with returning successfully to work/study and improved health and well-being after an ABI.

Keywords:

• Brain Injuries
• Occupational Therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Return To Work
• Speech-language Pathology

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emma J. Schneider

Ms Emma Schneider is an occupational therapist at Alfred Health, Melbourne.

Kate Lawlor

Ms Kate Lawlor is a speech pathologist at Alfred Health, Melbourne.

Ester Roberts

Ms Ester Roberts is an occupational therapist at St Vincent’s Health, Melbourne.

Kelly McMahon

Ms Kelly McMahon is a speech pathologist at La Trobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon.

Lauren Solomon

Ms Lauren Solomon is an occupational therapist working as a clinical business analyst at Alfred Health, Melbourne.

Nicole Austin

Dr Nicole Austin was a research support coordinator at Caulfield Hospital when this project was undertaken.

Natasha Lannin

Dr Natasha Lannin is an occupational therapist and professor of allied health (occupational therapy) at Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne.