Factors influencing return to work experienced by people with acquired brain injury: a qualitative research study

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.