Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Background. Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face many challenges when attempting to return to work (RTW). Vocational evaluation (VE) is a systematic process that involves assessment and appraisal of an individual's current work-related characteristics and abilities. Objective. The aims of this study are to (1) examine demographic and employment characteristics of vocational rehabilitation providers (VRPs), (2) identify the specific evaluation methods that are used in the VE of individuals with TBI, and (3) examine the differences in assessment method practices based upon evaluator assessment preferences. Methods. This exploratory case study used a forty-six-item online survey which was distributed to VRPs. Results. One hundred and nine VRPs accessed the survey. Of these, 74 completed the survey. A majority of respondents were female (79.7%), Caucasian (71.6%), and holding a master's degree (74.3%), and more than half (56.8%) were employed as state vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). In addition, over two-thirds (67.6%) were certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Respondents reported using several specific tools and assessments during the VE process. Conclusions. Study findings reveal differences in use of and rationales for specific assessments amongst VRPs. Understanding VRP assessment practices and use of an evidence-based framework for VE following TBI may inform and improve VE practice.

Clinician perspectives of ABI vocational rehabilitation in Queensland

“…Even with limitations and variation in service delivery, the vocational rehabilitation components delivered reflect international practice (Dillahunt-Aspillaga et al, 2015; Stergiou-Kita et al, 2010; Van Velzen et al, 2020), including those most commonly delivered (e.g., education, assessment, therapy, determining readiness for return to work). Components less commonly provided included those involving the workplace and active return to work (e.g., employer contact, worksite visits and facilitating return to work) which were regularly undertaken by privately funded clinicians but not commonly performed by public rehabilitation staff.…”

“…While no set model or framework for delivery of ABI vocational rehabilitation was reported by public or private practitioners, it appears that public services use models similar to program-based vocational rehabilitation (Fadyl & McPherson, 2009) with private services utilising aspects of both case management and program-based approaches (Fadyl & McPherson, 2009). Even with these differences, Queensland clinicians are providing a range of vocational rehabilitation components in line with current international practice (Dillahunt-Aspillaga et al, 2015; Stergiou-Kita et al, 2010; Van Velzen et al, 2020).…”

“…The questions aimed to identify participants’ clinical practice, service delivery methods and experiences of delivering ABI vocational rehabilitation to provide expert opinion (Hoffman et al, 2017) at both a local and national level. Questions were based on clinician experience, contextual service knowledge, local and national service delivery recommendations for ABI (Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2014,2019; Queensland Health, 2016) and findings from the literature regarding clinical practice and provision of vocational rehabilitation for adults with ABI (e.g., see (Dillahunt-Aspillaga et al, 2015; Fadyl & McPherson, 2009; Hart et al, 2006; Stergiou-Kita et al, 2010)).…”

“…Prior studies have investigated the provision of ABI vocational rehabilitation to identify service models and clinical practice across different services and settings. This has involved identifying: program philosophies, assessment methods and intervention components of dedicated ABI vocational rehabilitation services (as reported by program managers) (Hart et al, 2006); the clinical assessments, tools and processes used by vocational rehabilitation providers (including vocational rehabilitation counsellors, rehabilitation providers and educators) (Dillahunt-Aspillaga et al, 2015) and availability and provision of vocational rehabilitation in ABI rehabilitation units (Van Velzen et al, 2020). Occupational therapists’ perceptions of factors that influence work readiness evaluations in ABI vocational rehabilitation (identifying client and workplace / environment factors) (Stergiou-Kita, Yantzi, & Wan, 2010) have also been investigated.…”

Effective Practices in Vocational Evaluation Report Writing

“…Regarding the administration of the vocational assessment, research from Dillahunt-Aspillaga, et. al., (2015) indicates that an evaluation of a client with a traumatic brain injury must include assessment tools that are more commonly administered for this clientele and must include their vocational interest inventories, achievement tests, behavioral observations, work values, aptitude or intelligence tests, work samples, and general ability aptitude assessment.…”