Perceived vocational support needs and return-to-work outcomes in the first 12-months post-discharge in individuals with acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury

Published 18th October 2023

Authors: O'Loghlen J, Geraghty T, Kendall M, Nielsen M, Jones R, McLennan V, Watter K, Ownsworth T. 

 

Return to work is often viewed as an important outcome following acquired brain injury (ABI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), although not all individuals have vocational goals and many experience barriers to returning to work. This study investigated the relationship between return-to-work outcomes and psychosocial functioning at 12-months post-discharge after ABI and SCI and examined patterns of return to work according to individuals’ perceived need for and receipt of vocational support. Key learnings from this research included:

• In the combined ABI and SCI sample, approximately one in five individuals had returned to work at 12-months post-discharge. Paid employment was the primary desired social role for just over half of the sample.
• Individuals who had returned to work by 12-months post-discharge reported significantly better psychosocial functioning at 12 months compared to those that had not.
• For those not employed, three subgroups were identified:

1. Did not perceive the need for or receive vocational support;

2. Perceived vocational support needs were unmet; and

3. Perceived and received vocational support. Only a small proportion (18%) reported vocational support needs that were not met. 

• Psychological distress (namely, depression and stress) was highest for those who perceived and received vocational support but were not employed.

Overall, the findings highlight the need for clinicians to explore and revisit individuals’ perceived need for and preferences for vocational support, provide flexible and individualised support over the longer term, and monitor the psychological well-being of those not successful in returning to work. Further research investigating reasons for individuals’ lack of success with returning to work despite receiving vocational support is recommended. 

 

Citation: O'Loghlen J, Geraghty T, Kendall M, Nielsen M, Jones R, McLennan V, Watter K, Ownsworth T. Perceived vocational support needs and return-to-work outcomes in the first 12-months post-discharge in individuals with acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury: A retrospective cohort study. Work. 2023 Aug 22. doi: 10.3233/WOR-230090. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37638466.

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