A longitudinal study of compensation-seeking and return to work in a treated mild traumatic brain injury sample.
OBJECTIVE
In patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), to assess: (1) changes in financial compensation-seeking status over time and (2) the relationship between compensation-seeking and return to work.


METHODS
Longitudinal evaluation of financial compensation-seeking status (i.e., at intake, 3 months postinjury, and 12 months postinjury) and relationship of such status to return to work.


METHODS
Outpatient rehabilitation clinic.


METHODS
Ninety-seven patients with MTBI.


METHODS
Compensation-seeking status at 3 and 12 months and days taken to return to preinjury vocational activity.


RESULTS
Those in litigation at intake generally continued to be in litigation at 3 and 12 months postinjury. Those seeking or receiving compensation via administrative means (e.g., sick pay or workers' compensation) at intake were generally not seeking or receiving compensation by 3 months or later, as was the case for most of those not seeking any financial compensation at intake. Patients seeking or receiving financial compensation via litigation and/or administrative means at intake took longer to return to work than did people who were not seeking or receiving compensation at intake.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study design does not allow for determination of the reasons for the strong relationship between financial compensation-seeking soon post-MTBI and a slow return to work. However, the strength of the present findings indicates that the presence or absence of financial compensation-seeking soon post-MTBI should be routinely evaluated when return to work is an issue.
Reynolds
Shawn
S
The Psychology Service, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, 10230-111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5G 0B7.
Paniak
Chris
C
Toller-Lobe
Geraldine
G
Nagy
Julianna
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002170:Canada; D035881:Compensation and Redress; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D018582:Sick Leave; D013997:Time Factors; D014942:Workers' Compensation