To Örebro University

Background

The overall purpose of this study is to investigate the rehabilitation process facilitating return to working life after ABI. Two main themes are in focus: (I) experiences of the rehabilitation process – possibilities and challenges, and (II) long-term perspective – factors that facilitate a sustainable working life. The study was undertaken within a disability research paradigm, which is an interdisciplinary approach that includes medical, technical, behavioural and socio-cultural perspectives. Specifically, this study was derived from a social perspective in studying outcomes in working life after ABI.

 Methodology

Persons who acquired a brain injury as adults were interviewed using an interview guide focusing the experiences of the rehabilitation process. The informants (6 females and 6 males) had participated in a work rehabilitation program and successfully returned to work. Importantly, at least 50 % maintained employment for a minimum period of one year. In some cases, a person (e.g. family member, service provider, and employer) who had been of great importance for the rehabilitation process was also interviewed. The interviews were qualitative, in-depth, and are being conducted longitudinally at the autumn 2010. Data will be structured and analysed by latent content analysis with a hermeneutic approach, and analysed within a social science theory.

Results

The findings are preliminary and can only be presented as hypotheses. Many of those who as adults acquired a brain injury are already established in the labour market. Accordingly return to work could be seen as easier for the ABI group than for other unemployed groups of disabled. Despite this, many of the cases with ABI have difficulties in returning to work after injury concerning different circumstances. Relating to that it is important to identify such circumstances, especially possibilities. An important aim for the rehabilitation process is a long-term perspective in maintaining a job after injury. Some factors of importance for the rehabilitation outcomes can be summarised as: assistive devices, support at the working place, social insurance and individual motivation.

Conclusions

Such knowledge is of great importance for the rehabilitation practitioner when meeting clients’ in the stage of work rehabilitation. The implications of this study can be useful in both rehabilitation medicine as well as for social workers in supporting people with ABI who have vocational goals. The common aim is to develop a program for work rehabilitation for people with ABI.