scholarly journals Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga ◽  
Tammy Jorgensen Smith ◽  
Ardis Hanson ◽  
Sarah Ehlke ◽  
Mary Stergiou-Kita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Rehabilitation Counselors ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Vocational Evaluation ◽  
Certified Rehabilitation Counselors

Background. Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face many challenges when attempting to return to work (RTW). Vocational evaluation (VE) is a systematic process that involves assessment and appraisal of an individual’s current work-related characteristics and abilities.Objective. The aims of this study are to (1) examine demographic and employment characteristics of vocational rehabilitation providers (VRPs), (2) identify the specific evaluation methods that are used in the VE of individuals with TBI, and (3) examine the differences in assessment method practices based upon evaluator assessment preferences.Methods. This exploratory case study used a forty-six-item online survey which was distributed to VRPs.Results. One hundred and nine VRPs accessed the survey. Of these, 74 completed the survey. A majority of respondents were female (79.7%), Caucasian (71.6%), and holding a master’s degree (74.3%), and more than half (56.8%) were employed as state vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). In addition, over two-thirds (67.6%) were certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Respondents reported using several specific tools and assessments during the VE process.Conclusions. Study findings reveal differences in use of and rationales for specific assessments amongst VRPs. Understanding VRP assessment practices and use of an evidence-based framework for VE following TBI may inform and improve VE practice.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Rehabilitation Outcomes: Does the Working Alliance Make a Difference?

2003 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 30-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel C. Lustig ◽  
David R. Strauser ◽  
Gail H. Weems ◽  
Chandra M. Donnell ◽  
Lisa D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Working Alliance ◽  
Rehabilitation Counselors ◽  
Rehabilitation Outcomes ◽  
Shared Commitment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

This study investigated the impact of the working alliance on vocational rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury. The working alliance is defined as collaboration between the client and counselor supported by the development of an attachment bond as well as a shared commitment to the goals and tasks of counseling. Research supports the relationship between the working alliance and positive counseling outcomes. This study extends previous research and considers the relationship between working alliance and employment, job satisfaction, and view of future employment prospects for 49 vocational rehabilitation clients with traumatic brain injury. Results showed a relationship between the working alliance and employment outcomes and future employment prospects but not job satisfaction. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.

Chronic psychiatric changes in a severe post-traumatic brain injury patient

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S318-S318
Author(s):  
J. Silva ◽  
J. Mota ◽  
P. Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Social Impairment ◽  
Mood Stabilizers ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Injury Patient ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionSevere traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes neuropsychiatric disturbances. Emotional and personality disturbances seem to cause much more seriously handicap than residual cognitive or physical disabilities. The prognosis may be poor associated with marked social impairment, so a multidisciplinary approach team is required in order to improve patient's quality of life and reintegration in family and society.ObjectivesTo summarize the latest literature about this field and to present a case report.AimTo explore and learn more about chronic psychiatric changes in severe post-traumatic brain injury and share with the scientific community how challenging the approach of this entity can be.MethodsA brief review of the latest literature was performed, using PubMed and the keywords “traumatic brain injury” and “psychiatric changes”. A case report is presented.ResultsAlthough SSRI, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are commonly used, new options are reported such as methylphenidate and cholinesterase inhibitors. The presented patient, a 27-year-old male, began with neuropsychiatric disturbances after a work-related fall from 9 meters high: convulsions and alcohol compulsive drinking. Three years have passed and his changes are still difficult to approach. Besides other medication, such as benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers, flufenazine injections and naltrexone seemed to be determinant in his behaviour and mood stabilization. He is also on a long-term alcoholism programme.ConclusionsAlthough the understanding of TBI-associated neuropsychiatric disorders has improved in the last decade, further research is needed, such as randomized-controlled studies to study new pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Work-related mild-moderate traumatic brain injury and the construction industry

Work ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Liu ◽  
Wenli Wei ◽  
Jennifer Fergenbaum ◽  
Paul Comper ◽  
Angela Colantonio
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

scholarly journals Assault predicts time away from work after claims for work-related mild traumatic brain injury

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 471-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reema Shafi ◽  
Peter M Smith ◽  
Angela Colantonio
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Physical Assault ◽  
Mechanism Of Injury ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Time Away

IntroductionWorkplace violence carries a substantial economic loss burden. Up to 10% of all traumatic brain injury (TBI) admissions result from physical assault. There remains a paucity of research on assault as a mechanism of injury, taking into account sex, and its association with work re-entry.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to characterise, by sex, the sample of workers who had sustained a work-related mild TBI (wr-mTBI) and to assess the independent influence of assault, as a mechanism of injury, on time away from work.MethodsA population-based retrospective cohort of workers’ compensation claimants in Australia (n=3129) who had sustained a wr-mTBI was used for this study. A multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed whether workers who had sustained wr-mTBI as a result of assault (wr-mTBI-assault) were more likely to claim time off work compared with workers who had sustained a wr-mTBI due to other mechanisms.ResultsAmong claimants who sustained a wr-mTBI, 9% were as a result of assault. The distribution of demographic and vocational variables differed between the wr-mTBI-assault, and not due to assault, both in the full sample, and separately for men and women. After controlling for potential confounding factors, workers who sustained wr-mTBI-assault, compared with other mechanisms, were more likely to take days off work (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.99) within a 3-month timeframe.ConclusionThe results have policy-related implications. Sex-specific and workplace-specific prevention strategies need to be considered and provisions to support return-to-work and well-being within this vulnerable cohort should be examined.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document