The personal and workplace factors relevant to work readiness evaluation following acquired brain injury: occupational therapists' perceptions.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the personal and workplace/environmental factors perceived most relevant to work readiness evaluations following acquired brain injury.


METHODS
Using a qualitative secondary analysis design 'indicators of success' and 'risks of failure', identified as relevant in a primary study of occupational therapists' evaluation practices, were explored further.


METHODS
Data collected in the primary study, e.g. interviews, practice surveys, evaluation protocols, were re-analysed. Surveys and protocols were used to define participant and practice context characteristics. Interviews were coded, by three investigators, using a constructivist grounded theory approach.


RESULTS
Four themes emerged describing relevant personal client attributes: (1) motivation; (2) physical and functional independence; (3) cognitive abilities; and (4) use of compensatory strategies and feedback. Four themes emerged describing relevant workplace factors: (1) workplace demands; (2) employer risks and burden; (3) risks associated with information sharing; and (4) financial implications associated with return to work.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that work readiness needs to be viewed as both a client and a workplace issue. Findings are translated into questions for rehabilitation professionals to guide evaluations of work readiness. Recommendations for future research include investigating how professionals weigh factors in their decision-making and exploring strategies relevant from a workplace perspective.
Stergiou-Kita
Mary
M
Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. mary.kita@utoronto.ca
Yantzi
Amber
A
Wan
Jeffrey
J
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003657:Decision Making; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000379:methods*; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D017132:Workplace