Long-term employment outcomes in a rural area following traumatic brain injury

Abstract

One of the major sequelae following traumatic brain injury is a change in employment status. This poses significant challenges for rehabilitation services. Several studies have investigated the longer-term outcome after traumatic brain injury. Longer-term outcome in an economically disadvantaged rural environment with limited rehabilitation services has not been studied extensively. A group of individuals (n = 65) who sustained a traumatic brain injury were compared regarding pre- and post-employment status. The moderate and severely injured sub-groups showed a significant change in employment status. Ideally rehabilitation programs should target re-employment as an outcome. Limited employment opportunities in rural areas may make this more difficult to achieve.

Efficacy of leisure intervention groups in rehabilitation of people with an acquired brain injury

“…On the other hand, limited rehabilitation services along with limited work opportunities in rural areas make employment more difficult to achieve following a brain injury which generally leads to increased strain on the injured person and their family (Coetzer, Hayes, & Toit, 2002). No studies were found that specifically evaluated leisure programs for rural people with ABI.…”

Traumatic brain injury state planning grant: Preparing for change in a rural state

“…Figure 2 provides a visual representation of the types of employment/vocational services offered by Idaho providers. Employment issues appear to be among the most critical for survivors of TBIs and their families [23]. Career advice, assistance with placement and employment support are examples of vocational services that people with a TBI might find beneficial as they transition back to the work force.…”

Cognition and return to work after mild/moderate traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

“…Boeing et al stated that even a mild TBI can affect one's ability to work "as a result of changes in interpersonal relationships, short term memory, executive skills, and behavior" [11, p.35]. Coetzar et al [12] reported that individuals with moderate to severe TBI showed a significant change in their work status post-injury when compared to that of pre-injury. Among TBI survivors, the unemployment rate was reported to be substantially high [13,14].…”