Functional limitations in TBI and their relationship to job maintenance following work re-entry

Abstract

Using data from the Job Accommodation Network Information System (JANIS), the utility of self-reported functional limitations was examined in relationship to job maintenance for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who had returned to work. It was found that memory loss and attention/concentration concerns were the most common functional limitations reported. To further establish which limitations were associated with job maintenance, a binary logistic regression was applied. Results suggested that the presence of medical symptoms and emotional dysregulation were reliably and inversely associated with job maintenance. Implications are provided for further research as well as the practice of rehabilitation counseling.

Relationship between late objective and subjective outcomes of holistic neurorehabilitation in patients with traumatic brain injury

“…Research on TBI and employment is full of examples of emotional dysregulation, behavioral problems and lack of awareness of one´s deficits being particularly disabling in relation to achieving and maintaining gainful employment. 37,38 These factors have also been perceived as barriers to relationships, in particularly intimate, after TBI. 38 Especially mood swings, irritability states and unpredictable patterns of behaviour have been shown to impose the greatest strain on personal relationships.…”

“…As a result of a variety of cognitive, behavioural and emotional disorders; impaired psychosocial, physical and sensory functioning; and medical symptoms, individuals who sustain TBI often experience difficulty becoming competitively employed post injury and maintaining employment for extended period of time. 37,43,45 Essential elements in the holistic neurorehabilitation programmes are individually tailored placements and supported work trials which help patients to find productive activities that fit their abilities and interests after TBI. 7,11,13,46 The effort to accomplish consistence between the capabilities of the patients and the requisites of the work or other productive activities seems to be crucial.…”

Lived experiences of return to paid work following a brain injury

“…The most frequent problems reported were remembering (96%) and concentrating (91%). Similarly, in the United States of America (USA), Artman and McMahon (2013) researched the self-reported functional limitations of 160 individuals following traumatic brain injury in relation to job maintenance following return to work, and found memory loss, attention, concentration and behavioural difficulties most reported. Despite Artman and McMahon (2013) relying on the self-report of participants who may have lacked self-awareness, their findings were consistent with Benedictus et al (2010) in the Netherlands.…”

“…Similarly, in the United States of America (USA), Artman and McMahon (2013) researched the self-reported functional limitations of 160 individuals following traumatic brain injury in relation to job maintenance following return to work, and found memory loss, attention, concentration and behavioural difficulties most reported. Despite Artman and McMahon (2013) relying on the self-report of participants who may have lacked self-awareness, their findings were consistent with Benedictus et al (2010) in the Netherlands. Benedictus et al (2010), on evaluating cognitive and behavioural disturbances related to return to work for 434 individuals following traumatic brain injury, found that participants encountered problems with cognitive (62%), behavioural (55%) and social (49%) difficulties.…”

Using Sensory, Functional, and Activity Limitation Data to Estimate Employment Outcomes for Working-Age Persons With Disabilities in the United States

“…Employment rates for persons with disabilities were higher for individuals who were male, White, married, or had higher levels of educational attainment (Sevak, Houtenville, Brucker, & O’Neill, 2014). The type of disability can influence employment outcomes, with variations seen in employment for persons with limitations that were sensory (Appelman et al, 2012; Darensbourg, 2013; Giesen & Cavenaugh, 2013; Houston, Lammers, & Svorny, 2010; Kelly, 2013; McDonnall, Li, & Crudden, 2013) and functional (Andelic, Stevens, Sigurdardottir, Arango-Lasprilla, & Roe, 2012; Arango-Lasprilla et al, 2009; Artman & McMahon, 2013; Baune et al, 2010; Giugiario et al, 2012; Jones & Crews, 2013; J. S. Krause, 2010; I.…”