Article

PURPOSE: To describe the factors experienced by adults with moderate-to-severe
acquired brain injury (ABI) as either limiting or facilitating during the process
of return to work (RTW) in order to give an advice about the vocational
rehabilitation process. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed. Twelve adults
who were working before acquiring traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury (2-3
years earlier) participated. The experiences were gathered by semi-structured
interviews. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health was used as a theoretical framework for the interviews and the analysis.
RESULTS: The most common limiting factor was tiredness. The most common
facilitating factors were the will to RTW, the ongoing recovery and the knowledge
and support of the employer, colleagues, occupational physician and occupational
specialist. CONCLUSIONS: Different aspects were experienced as being important
during the process of RTW after ABI. These aspects should be kept in mind during
the process of RTW to make the outcome as successful as possible. It is advised
to pay special attention to the recovery opportunities of an individual, to
inform the employer, colleagues, occupation physician and the occupational
specialist about ABI, and to support people with ABI for long time periods. An
important role can be played by the rehabilitation centre.

Langue : ANGLAIS