@article{ref1,
title="Returning to Work After Severe Multiple Injuries: Multidimensional Functioning and the Trajectory From Injury to Work at 5 Years",
journal="Journal of trauma",
year="2011",
author="Soberg, Helene L. and Roise, Olav and Bautz-Holter, Erik and Finset, Arnstein",
volume="71",
number="2",
pages="425-434",
abstract="BACKGROUND:: The process of returning to work (RTW) after multiple injuries is lengthy. Prospective studies with follow-up times of up to 5 years are necessary but lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the trajectory of RTW and to examine the factors that predicted RTW over 5 years for patients with multiple injuries using a prospective cohort design. METHODS:: One-hundred one patients aged 18 years to 67 years who had been admitted to a trauma referral center with a New Injury Severity Score >15 starting January 2002 through June 2003 were included. The follow-up rate at 5 years was 79%. Outcomes were assessed 6 weeks after discharge and at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years postinjury. The instruments used to assess patient status were the Short Form 36, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II cognitive subscale, a Cognitive Function Scale, and the Brief Approach/Avoidance Coping Questionnaire. Repeated measures analyses of categorical correlated data were applied. RESULTS:: Patient's mean age was 34.5 years (SD, 13.5); 83% were men and 25% had a university or college education; 66% were blue-collar workers. Mean New Injury Severity Score was 35.1 (SD, 12.7). RTW rates were 28% at 1 year, 43% at 2 years, and 49% at 5 years postinjury. There were differences among patients in RTW status, and personal factors and physical and psychosocial functioning. Predictors of RTW were as follows: measurement occasion, education (high/low), coping, and physical and cognitive functioning. The proportion of unexplained variation between subjects in the models was 31% to 55%. CONCLUSION:: Of the patients included in this study, 49% achieved RTW, and 23% received full disability benefits. Higher education; better physical, social, and cognitive functioning; and coping strategies all predicted RTW.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-5282",
doi="10.1097/TA.0b013e3181eff54f",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e3181eff54f"
}