Citation

Theadom AM, Barker-Collo S, Jones K, Kahan M, Te Ao B, McPherson K, Starkey N, Feigin V. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2017; 98(8): 1560-1566.

Affiliation

National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience, School of Public health & Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2017.01.010

PMID

28188778

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore employment status, work limitations and productivity loss following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). STUDY DESIGN: Inception cohort study over four years. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: 245 Adults (>16 years at the time of injury), who experienced a mild TBI and who were employed prior to their injury. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Details of the injury, demographic information and pre-injury employment status were collected from medical records and self-report. Symptoms and mood were assessed one-month post-injury using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Post-injury employment status and work productivity were assessed four-years post-injury using the Work Limitations Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Four-years following mild TBI, 17.3% of participants had exited the workforce (other than for reasons of retirement or to study) or had reduced their working hours compared to pre-injury. A further 15.5% reported experiencing limitations at work as a result of their injury. Average work productivity loss was 3.6% The symptom of 'taking longer to think' one month post-injury significantly predicted work productivity loss four years later (β = 0.47, t = 3.79, p = <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Whilst changes in employment status and difficulties at work are likely over time, the results indicate increased unemployment rates, work limitations and productivity loss in the longer-term following a mild TBI. Identification of cognitive difficulties one month following TBI in working aged adults and subsequent interventions to address these difficulties are required to facilitate work productivity.

Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Employment; Longitudinal studies; Mild Traumatic Brain Injury; Productivity; Work