Beaulieu, Karen

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The return to paid work of individuals following a brain injury

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This work has been submitted to NECTAR, the Northampton ElectronicCollection of Theses and Research.Conference or Workshop ItemTitle: The return to paid work of individuals following a brain injuryCreators: Beaulieu, K.Example citation: Beaulieu, K. (2012) The return to paid work of individualsfollowing a brain injury. Poster presented to: 9th World Congress of theInternational Brain Injury Association (IBIA), Edinburgh, UK, 21-25 March 2012.Version: Presented versionhttp://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/4808/NECTAR'This work was supported by the United Kingdom Occupational Therapy Research Foundation and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors'. Work is important in maintaining well being and if participation is interrupted can result in a breakdown of habits, physical and emotional deterioration and individual’s abilities to perform in their lives (Keilhofner, 1997).   Being able to work can support health, provide income and a structure to an individual’s day (Johnsson and Andersson, 1999).   Work defines aspects of status and occupational identity yet for most returning to paid work following a brain injury can be impossible (Yerxa, 1998).   A qualitative phenomenological approach recruited 16 brain injured individuals and explored their return  to paid work lived experiences.  Following NHS National Research Ethical approval data was collected from unstructured interviews with  men and women.   Data was analysed using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological approach and significant statements extracted from transcripts and 61 meaning units aggregated into clusters of themes to create description (Giorgi 1985).   Meaning units were collapsed into six themes which describe participant’s lived experiences.  Giorgi, A. (1985) Phenomenology and Psychological Research. Pittsburgh: Duquesne University Press.  Johnsson, H., Andersson, L. (1999) Attitudes to Work and Retirement: Generalization or Diversity? Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 6, 29-35.  Kielhofner, G. (1997) Conceptual Foundations of Occupational Therapy. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.  Yerxa, E. J. (1998) Health and the Human Spirit for Occupation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 52 (6), 412-418. Change and Return to Work Options Most participants faced difficulty as the workplace and colleagues had moved on. No established return to work route exists and participants experienced different return paths. Feelings of Success Participants described feeling good by earning their own way, valued, being made whole again, having increased self-esteem and that their perception of their job was very much part of who they are.   Coping with Ongoing Difficulties  Poor memory and slow information processing, fatigue, benefit issues and mental health difficulties impacted progress. Expectation and Timing of Return to Work A determination to return to work linked to occupational identity. Slow phased return was more successful and satisfying. Fast return resulted in failure. Workplace Colleague Reactions  Colleague reactions were hurtful and they had little tolerance. Participants were alone a lot, treated like children and socially excluded . Things That Help Professional help included Social Work, Council Support Services, Brain Injury Team Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy, Headway and Disabil ity Employment Advisors. Ranging from CVs preparation, advice and support once employed.   Results Six themes describe the impact of return to paid work of individuals following a brain injury. Background Method References Karen Beaulieu  karen.beaulieu@northampton.ac.uk  Tel 01858 892876 Return to Paid Work Following a Brain Injury 

The return to paid work of individuals following a brain injury

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