scholarly journals An expert opinion: Vocational rehabilitation after stroke

Author(s):  
Siobhan Leary ◽  
◽  
Joanne Hurford ◽  
Niamh Shanahan ◽  
◽  
...  

Less than half of people return to work following a stroke. For those who do, their return is often complicated by residual 'invisible' symptoms. It is important to ask about work and to provide intervention early in the rehabilitation process. Specialist vocational rehabilitation services can support more complex and long-term interventions, but there is a paucity of service provision which needs to be addressed.

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 337-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Hayward ◽  
Bilal A Mateen ◽  
E Diane Playford ◽  
Gail Eva

Introduction This study aimed to understand existing vocational rehabilitation service provision in one locality in London (population 3.74 million), identify any gaps and explore reasons for this, to support service development. Method Using soft systems methodology to guide the research process, semi-structured interviews were completed with nine participants, who were clinicians and managers providing vocational rehabilitation within a National Health Service context. Data were analysed thematically to build a ‘rich picture’ and develop a conceptual model of vocational rehabilitation service delivery. Findings were then ratified with participants at an engagement event. Results The findings indicate a spectrum of vocational rehabilitation service provision for long-term neurological conditions with differing levels of funding in place. Vocational rehabilitation often takes place ‘under the radar’ and therefore the true vocational rehabilitation needs of this population, and the extent of service provision, is not known. There is inconsistency of understanding across the services as to what constitutes vocational rehabilitation and outcomes are not routinely measured. Conclusion For vocational rehabilitation services to develop they require appropriate funding, driven by government policy to commissioners. Clear definitions of vocational rehabilitation, collecting and sharing outcome data and effective communication across services are needed at a local level. This is expressed in a conceptual model of vocational rehabilitation service delivery.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-47
Author(s):  
Jared A. Embree ◽  
Jon-Michael Huber ◽  
Valerie A. Kapp ◽  
Josephine F. Wilson

Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising option for vocational rehabilitation to address barriers with consumers. Pilot programs like the one described here are being used to remotely train counselors and serve consumers by providing treatment and support through technology. This program delivers training and service through an online portal that allows consumers specific options tailored to individual needs. Counselors have been trained in 43 states via webcasts, videoconferencing, and in-person trainings. Telerehabilitation can enhance employment outcomes by improving access for consumers, strengthening the counselor-consumer relationship, and increasing contacts with consumers. Counselors can also augment traditional services and increase engagement without increasing travel time and associated costs. Consumers are able to take a more active role in the vocational rehabilitation process, have a better understanding of VR services, increase their knowledge about what to expect of VR services, and be more accountable and involved in the progress and outcomes of VR services.


1996 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-44
Author(s):  
Reginald L. Gibbs ◽  
John M. Dodd ◽  
Anton Hecimovic ◽  
Elia Nickoloff

Rising health care insurance premiums have forced many businesses and institutions to examine cost-cutting measures to lower health care costs. Managed care is one measure that has become widespread throughout the United States. The problem was to learn how managed care administrators view the role and purpose of vocational rehabilitation services in their organizations and if these services will lower short-term and long-term use. A survey was sent to the administrators of fifty managed care organizations in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Twenty of the fifty administrators responded to the survey. Results show that only one of the managed care organizations offered vocational rehabilitation services to their enrollees. The results also show that three responded that short-term use and ten responded that long-term use of managed care programs would be reduced if vocational rehabilitation services were offered.


2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda E. Young ◽  
Gregory C. Murphy

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has a dramatic effect on the lives of those affected. As those injured are typically relatively young adults, the interruption to careers and vocational plans is often significant. While return to work following SCI has been well investigated, little is known about the process by which people regain employment post-injury. This investigation aimed to study participants' perceptions regarding the adequacy of the vocational rehabilitation services they received. Data was collected through personal interview with 168 persons with a SCI who were employed at the time of their injury. Participants were asked if they believed they could have been assisted by additional services provided with the aim of facilitating their return-to-work attempts. More than half of the participants believed they would have benefited from additional services. The most commonly requested additional services were: more discussion of vocational options and alternatives, and the timely follow-up of vocational issues. Analysis of subgroup differences indicated that rural-based study participants had clear and precise ideas for how vocational rehabilitation services might be improved.


1994 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.L. Ingraham ◽  
A. Carey ◽  
M. Vernon ◽  
P. Berry

This article presents suggestions and proved effective strategies for determining the eligibility of, conducting diagnostic workups for, and providing vocational rehabilitation services to deaf-blind individuals. It emphasizes that the optimal rehabilitation process for such clients begins before the clients transfer from educational programs.


2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1183-1189 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Sweetland ◽  
A. Riazi ◽  
S.J. Cano ◽  
E.D. Playford

Background The NSF for Long-term Neurological Conditions highlights the need for vocational rehabilitation services. Although the barriers to work for people with MS (pwMS) have been clearly identified, there has been little research that identifies the type of support required. Objective To identify what pwMS require from a vocational rehabilitation service in terms of content and service delivery. Design of study Four focus groups of pwMS, currently in employment, were convened. These were audio-taped and content analysed using a constant comparison method. Results People with MS identified two key needs; managing performance and managing expectations. Performance difficulties could be managed either by treating symptoms, by changing the environment, or by altering the demands of the job. PwMS highlighted the need for counselling to help them, and advocacy to help their employers have appropriate expectations. Conclusion PwMS need support in the workplace in two distinct ways. First, by managing the interaction between the impairments caused by MS, the physical environment, and the demands imposed by the work. Second, by providing expert knowledge about the employment environment and the needs of employers, an awareness of the relevant legislation and counselling in supporting people to adapt, adjust and resolve complex issues. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1183—1189. http://msj.sagepub.com


2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn A. Radford ◽  
Marion F. Walker

AbstractStroke has a marked impact on the ability to return to work. However, the stroke and its residual cognitive, physical and language deficits do not fully explain return-to-work success. While those with very severe deficits are less likely to return to work, and presence of disability is important, other extrinsic and intrinsic factors, such as having a job to go back to, beliefs and attitudes about work, job markets and the benefits system all play an important part. Vocational rehabilitation services developed with the stroke service user in mind are scarce in the United Kingdom. However, recent government interest in vocational rehabilitation and a recognition that evidence to support poststroke vocational rehabilitation is lacking have prompted efforts to develop new vocational rehabilitation services. People with stroke need specialist vocational rehabilitation services delivered by those who have an in-depth understanding of stroke and its effects. Service developers need to acknowledge and address factors that enable or impede return to work after stroke in service design. Research is needed to evaluate vocational rehabilitation interventions aimed specifically at the needs of stroke patients.


1991 ◽  
Vol 85 (8) ◽  
pp. 341-342
Author(s):  
L. Hale ◽  
D.H. Smith ◽  
M.J. Gandy

Twin sisters, legally blind since birth, were provided services through Mississippi Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind. Their recollections of vocational rehabilitation indicate that their reactions and choices throughout this period were dissimilar, despite their close proximity. This article discusses the role of rehabilitation counselors, how they work with demanding clients, and how funding decisions are made. The results of the joint interview appear to substantiate the importance of variables such as personality, over which the rehabilitation agency has no control, and suggest that the rehabilitation process is an individual experience.


1978 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 148-151
Author(s):  
Sherry L. Eckstein ◽  
Kenneth W. Reagles

Existing research on information dissemination methods has revealed that audio-visual methods provide a valuable and effective technique for orienting clients to rehabilitation programs and services. The intention of this project was to devise an audio-visual presentation (designed for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in Syracuse, New York) to sensitize clients and stimulate their involvement in the rehabilitation process. The results indicated several advantages of utilizing audio-visual methods over presently used methods in terms of cost effectiveness and client satisfaction. This study suggests that the standardized audio-visual presentation is a useful tool for providing information to prospective clients, and is potentially very valuable for further research and program evaluation.


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