This Dutch study investigated the predictive factors of returning to work in people with brain injury. A systematic literature search of papers published between 1992 and 2008 was performed and the quality of the studies was again assessed, with 22 studies eventually included.
Strong evidence was found that gender and anatomic location of injury were not associated with returning to work after non-traumatic ABI. Similarly, injury severity (classified by the Glasgow Coma Scale), depression and anxiety were not associated with returning to work after traumatic brain injury. However, strong evidence was found that longer inpatient length of stay after TBI was associated with reduced chance of returning to employment.
Evidence was found that three treatable factors; ability to perform activities of daily living, residual physical deficits/higher disability level, and number of associated injuries are associated with poor outcomes. The authors recommend that focusing on
these factors in vocational rehabilitation could improve success rates and allow more people to find suitable employment.
Reference
Van Velzen, J., Van Bennekom, C., Edelaar, M., Sluiter, J. & Frings-Dresen, M. (2009) Prognostic factors of return to work after acquired brain injury: A systematic review.Brain Injury, 23 (5), 385-395.
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