Priorities for returning to work after traumatic injury: A public and professional involvement study

Abstract

Introduction Following traumatic injury, occupational therapists (OTs) are pivotal in supporting people to return-to-work (RTW) and regain independence. Aim: to identify priorities for RTW after traumatic injury and highlight barriers hindering the process. Method We recruited 17 participants with direct (i.e. trauma survivor [ n = 11]; OT trauma survivor [ n = 2]) or indirect (i.e. OT [ n = 4]) experience of returning to work following traumatic injury. Online consultations, lasting 60 min, were guided by a semi-structured script ensuring relevant topics were covered. An inductive approach was used for coding themes using thematic analysis. Findings Sense of purpose, identity and social interaction were greater priorities for RTW, than financial stability. Major barriers were: pain and fatigue; adapting to physical changes; impacts on mental health; and lack of support (healthcare and the workplace). Participants (public and healthcare professionals) reported a lack of vocational rehabilitation in supporting trauma survivors RTW, but advocated occupational therapy for psychological recovery; purposeful engagement in occupations; and community support. Conclusion Restoring an individual’s self-identity and social connections, whilst helping control pain and fatigue, should be prioritised when planning occupational therapy for those returning to work after traumatic injury. This study was limited to ‘returners’, but can inform occupational therapy interventions for RTW.

One-year outcomes of traumatic injuries among survivors in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study on the employment outcomes and functioning state

“…For example, a recent study in the UK reported on the importance of resuming work after injury for enhancing survivors' sense of purpose in life, nurturing self-identity and encouraging social interaction. 40 The current study reflects a slightly lower return-to-work success rate (59%) than the other two studies in Ethiopia. Tamene and colleagues reported in 2022 that 73.5% of participants returned to work 45 days after the injury, 24 while in an earlier study, researchers found that 83% had returned to their preinjury work 6 months after the injury was reported.…”