title: Returning to work after spinal cord injury: exploring young adults' early expectations and experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study sought to explore experience and expectations about paid work among young adults on sick leave after spinal cord injury (SCI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight participants with traumatic SCI, who were 20-34 years of age, and had not yet returned to work 1-5 years post-injury, were interviewed. Selection was made with purposive sampling. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four main themes emerged as relevant: 'finding your way to an everyday life where work is possible', 'at the crossroads, expectations of work through education', 'expectations of paid work as part of a desired future life' and 'expectations of finding a solution within oneself or with help from others'. The findings reveal high expectations of work ability but at the same time difficulties to plan for return to work and lack of support in this process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participants represent a vulnerable group in vocational rehabilitation due to their young age and recent injury. Without formal training or suitable work experience, they need tailored work support as part of their general rehabilitation.
authors: Spinalis Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. lisa@spinalis.se
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Bergmark
authors: Ninni
authors: N
authors: Westgren
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Asaba