Bonneterre, V., Pérennou, D., Trovatello, V., et al. (2013) Interest of workplace support for returning to work after a traumatic brain injury: A retrospective study, Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine. In press.

Abstract

Objective To analyse usefulness of the SPASE programme, a coordinated facility programme to assist traumatic brain injury (TBI) persons in returning to work and retaining their job in the ordinary work environment. Design A retrospective study including 100 subjects aged over 18 who had suffered traumatic brain injury (GOS 1 or 2). The criterion for return to work (RTW) success was the ability to return to the job he/she had before the accident or to a new professional activity. Results Factors associated with RTW success were at short-term (2–3 years): the presence of significant workplace support OR = 15.1 [3.7–61.7], the presence of physical disabilities OR = 0.32 [0.12–0.87] or serious traumatic brain injury OR = 0.22 [0.07–0.66]. At medium-term (over 3 years) these factors were: significant workplace support OR = 3.9 [1.3–11.3] and presence of mental illness OR = 0.15 [0.03–0.7]. Conclusion This study suggests that a case coordination vocational programme may facilitate the return and maintain to work of TBI persons. It reveals that the workplace support is a key factor for job retention in the medium-term.