Identifying models, processes, and components of vocational rehabilitation following acquired brain injury: a systematic scoping review

Purpose Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a complex injury which impacts engagement with worker roles. Return to work (RTW) rates for individuals with brain injury are low and those who do RTW often report job instability. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) can improve RTW rates and job stability; however, service provision is varied, and no gold standard has been identified. Methods A systematic scoping review of the literature was completed to explore research activity in VR for individuals with ABI to address the following three questions: what models have been identified to underpin VR in ABI? What clinical processes have been identified to guide provision of VR in ABI? What components of VR have been described and/or recommended in the ABI literature? Results The number of included articles was 57. From these articles, 16 models, nine process steps, eight components, and four service delivery components were identified that were utilised in provision of ABI VR. Implications for practice are discussed. Conclusions Key processes and components of ABI VR have been identified across a range of models and apply to clients at all phases post-injury. Findings may be used to inform service provision across a range of time points and support clinicians in their delivery of VR to adults with brain injury.