Return to Work Factors Following a Stroke

Indicators for Return to Work After Stroke and the Importance of Work for Subjective Well-Being and Life Satisfaction

“…According to the present study, being a participant in different life situations, such as being a white-collar worker, being in the public sector employment or self-employed prior to the onset of stroke were determinants for higher life satisfaction and subjective well-being. In contrast to this study, self-care ability (6) or functional capacity (11) have been found to be of importance for readiness to return to work after stroke, while cognitive ability and age have been reported to be of varying importance for the possibility of returning to work (6,11,12,15). Valid comparisons between different studies are seldom possible, since definitions of variables and instrumentation vary considerably.…”

“…Studies focusing on indicators of readiness to return to work following stroke (6,7,(11)(12)(13)(14)(15) show varied results. For example, some studies have shown age, profession, hemisphere of lesion, cognitive impairments and muscle strength to be significant indicators of readiness to return to work whereas others have not.…”

Work after stroke: focusing on barriers and enablers

“…It is primarily concerned with using quantitative research methods to identify factors associated with return to employment. Factors considered include the nature and degree of individuals' impairments, previous employment status, educational qualifications and available social security systems (Bergmann et al, 1991;Angeleri et al, 1993;Saeki et al, 1993;Saeki et al, 1995;Hsieh & Lee, 1997;Howard et al, 1985;McMahon & Slowinski Crown, 1998). No studies have explored in any depth stroke survivors' own perspectives on factors and/or processes relating to return to work.…”

Analysis of One Stroke Survivor's Transition into Vocational Experiences

“…There is evidence to indicate that successful reintegration into the workplace is dependent on the support of others, including a social support network, a vocational program and support from the employers and co-workers (Medin et al, 2006). The particularly critical role of the employer in enabling a successful return to work for stroke survivors has been highlighted (McMahon & Slowinski Crown, 1998; Saeki, 2000), but it remains clear that there must be a team approach. This team must work cohesively to ensure that the unique needs of each person with stroke remain central to the process.…”