Long-term employment outcomes in a rural area following traumatic brain injury.
One of the major sequelae following traumatic brain injury is a change in employment status. This poses significant challenges for rehabilitation services. Several studies have investigated the longer-term outcome after traumatic brain injury. Longer-term outcome in an economically disadvantaged rural environment with limited rehabilitation services has not been studied extensively. A group of individuals (n = 65) who sustained a traumatic brain injury were compared regarding pre- and post-employment status. The moderate and severely injured sub-groups showed a significant change in employment status. Ideally rehabilitation programs should target re-employment as an outcome. Limited employment opportunities in rural areas may make this more difficult to achieve.
North Wales Brain Injury Service, Colwyn Bay Hospital, Colwyn Bay, United Kingdom. rudi.coetzer@ukgateway.net
B R
BR
Coetzer
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NM
Hayes
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PL
Du Toit
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016832:Employment, Supported; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012424:Rural Population