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Research aim

The aim of this study was to increase our knowledge about the opportunities and barriers for successfully return to work (RTW) among individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI).

Methodology

Adults who have ABI were interviewed in regard to their experiences of the work rehabilitation process. The informants (5 females, 5 males) had participated in a work rehabilitation, had successfully RTW and had worked at least 50 % in at least a year after the injury. The interviews were transcribed, structured and analyzed by latent content analysis with a hermeneutic approach.

Findings and conclusions

Three main themes that influenced RTW after ABI were identified: (i) individually adapted rehabilitation process, (ii) motivation for RTW and (iii) cognitive abilities and inabilities.

The findings indicated that an individually adapted vocational rehabilitation (VR) process was important because the individuals with ABI involved actively in their own rehabilitation process and they required continuous support from the society, the specialists, their employers and colleagues. A moderate level of motivation for RTW was necessary to achieve the best result for RTW and it was important to achieve a balance between too high and too low motivation. Finally, a comprehensive knowledge about the cognitive abilities and inabilities of the individual after ABI helped the individuals and their employers to find compensatory strategies to handle their work tasks.

One implication of the findings was the necessity of a good support system and a good VR that functions well and lasts for a longer period. When there are obstacles in the VR process, it is important to have strategies and awareness of how to proceed further.

Consequently the support built for a person individually, with a balanced motivation, a high knowledge about the cognitive abilities and awareness of how to proceed further in the process will help to build a successful and sustainable RTW.