Article

PURPOSE: To investigate and to determine evidence of prognostic factors for
return to work (RTW) after acquired brain injury (ABI). METHOD: A systematic
literature search was conducted in PubMed (2008-2014),
applying terms for ABI and
RTW. In addition, studies published after 2003 of a previous review on the same
topic were added. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed
and evidence was classified. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included. There
is strong evidence that a high education level is positively associated with RTW
after traumatic ABI; a low education level, unemployment and length of stay in
rehabilitation are negatively associated, and a clear tendency has been deduced
from the studies that conscious state in the Emergency Department is not
associated with RTW. After non-traumatic ABI, there is strong evidence that
independence in activities of daily living is positively associated with RTW and
aetiology of stroke is not. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms earlier findings
that after both traumatic and non-traumatic ABI injury related factors in the
Emergency Department are not associated with RTW. In addition, it provides
further evidence that personal factors after traumatic ABI and activity-related
factors after non-traumatic ABI are strongly associated with RTW. Implications
for Rehabilitation We found strong evidence for a significant association between
RTW and personal factors (education level, unemployment) after traumatic ABI, and
activities of daily living (ADL) after non-traumatic ABI. We advise to focus on
work-related activities during the RTW process besides ADL-training and pay
attention to and support patients at risk for not returning to work.

Langue : ANGLAIS