The overall purpose of this study is to investigate the rehabilitation process facilitating return to working life after acquired brain injury (ABI) according to: (I) experiences of the rehabilitation process – possibilities and challenges, and (II) long-term perspective – factors that facilitate a sustainable working life. The study was undertaken within a disability research paradigm. Specifically, this study was derived from a social perspective in studying outcomes in vocational rehabilitation.
Persons who acquired a brain injury as adults were interviewed using an interview guide focusing the experiences of the rehabilitation process. The informants (5 females, 5 males) had participated in a work rehabilitation program and successfully returned to work, at least 50 % for a minimum period of one year. The interviews were qualitative. Data were structured and analysed by latent content analysis with a hermeneutic approach, and analysed within a social science theory.
The findings are preliminary. Many of those who as adults acquired a brain injury are already established at the labour market. Accordingly return to work could be seen as easier for the ABI group than for other unemployed groups of disabled. Despite this, many of those with ABI have difficulties in return to work after injury due to different circumstances. Therefore it is important to identify such circumstances. An important aim for the rehabilitation process is a long-term perspective in maintaining a job. Some factors of importance for the rehabilitation outcomes can be summarised as: assistive devices, support at the working place, social insurance and individual motivation. Such knowledge is important for the rehabilitation practitioner when meeting clients’ in the stage of work rehabilitation. The implications of this study can be useful in both rehabilitation medicines as well as for social workers in supporting people with ABI.