Article

This paper is a qualitative synthesis of clients' perspectives of the
elements significant to return to work following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
This is part of a larger review, completed to provide the evidence base for a
vocational evaluation guideline. METHODS: Processes outlined in the Cochrane
Handbook of Systematic Review guided the full review including: developing review
questions, search strategies and selection criteria; quality appraisal; data
extraction, analysis and synthesis; drawing conclusions. Four data bases (i.e.
Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Cochrane) were searched for relevant qualitative
studies. Evidence tables were used to extract data from studies and thematic
analysis employed to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS: Analysis of clients'
perspectives on return to work resulted in four key themes including the
following: 1) meaning of work; 2) process of return to work and reconciling new
identities; 3) opportunities to try versus risks of failure; 4) significance of
supports. Themes are discussed in relation to vocational evaluation and findings
from other syntheses. CONCLUSIONS: Vocation evaluation should include the
assessment of: the meaning clients ascribe to work following a TBI and their
post-injury goals; clients' self-perceptions of work competency, work readiness
and anticipated challenges with return to work; and the available supports.

Langue : ANGLAIS