Clinician perspectives of ABI vocational rehabilitation in Queensland

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Published 17th April 2023

Hopkins researchers from the Acquired Brain Inujury Transitional Rehabilitation Service (ABI TRS), Princess Alexandra Hospital and Griffith University have released their latest publication - Clinician perspectives of ABI vocational rehabilitation in Queensland.

The study identified clinical practice in providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) to adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) in Queensland, including pathways and services; models, frameworks and tools; and recommendations for ideal / future services.

These findings can improve VR services for adults with ABI and have informed the development of a framework to support the delivery of ABI VR in Queensland

Abstract

Introduction: Services to support adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) and return to work goals are varied. In Queensland, Australia, return to work goals may be addressed through private or publicly funded rehabilitation services or through publicly funded employment programs. No set frameworks or processes are in place to guide clinicians in providing vocational rehabilitation to adults with ABI, and the extent to which services address clients’ vocational goals and/or provide vocational rehabilitation is unknown.

Method: This qualitative study investigated the clinical practice and experiences of allied health rehabilitation clinicians (n = 34) to identify current practice in providing vocational rehabilitation to adults with ABI, including pathways and services; models, frameworks and tools; and recommendations for ideal services. Focus groups and online surveys were conducted, with data analysed via content analysis.

Results: ABI vocational rehabilitation was inconsistently delivered within and across services in Queensland, with differences in access to services, aspects of vocational rehabilitation provided and timeframes for rehabilitation. Five key themes were identified regarding ABI vocational rehabilitation and service delivery in Queensland: Factors influencing ABI and return to work; Service provision; ABI vocational rehabilitation processes (including assessment tools and interventions); Service gaps; and Ideal ABI vocational rehabilitation services.

Discussion: These findings can inform clinical practice and development, and current and future service delivery models for ABI vocational rehabilitation.

This study was supported by a Seed grant from The Hopkins Centre (2018), involving clinicians and researchers from ABI TRS and Griffith University. 

Authors

Mandy Nielsen

Areti Kennedy

Kerrin Watter

Clinical Community Specialist, Speech Pathologist