ABSTRACT Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability in young people, with return to work (RTW) a major goal of recovery. This qualitative study aimed to understand the RTW experience of individuals with TBI who received comprehensive vocational rehabilitation, and to identify facilitating and limiting factors in the RTW process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 individuals (mean age = 47.33 years) approximately 4.5 years post-injury, of whom 14 had moderate to severe TBI. Twelve individuals had successfully returned to work. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews identified three key factors affecting RTW: client, work and rehabilitation factors. Across these factors, 12 themes reported to be critical to the success or failure of the RTW programme were identified. Client themes included social support, cognitive difficulties and motivation, with RTW too early associated with unfavourable outcomes. Work themes included work modifications, employer support and financial incentives. Rehabilitation themes included the RTW programme, the role of the vocational occupational therapist and work preparation. These key factors were reported to have impacted the RTW outcome, comprising three further themes: work satisfaction, future vocational outlook, and quality of life. Consideration of these factors can inform vocational rehabilitation programmes, potentially improving employment outcomes following TBI.

中文翻译：

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创伤性脑损伤 (TBI) 患者重返工作岗位的体验：一项定性研究

摘要 外伤性脑损伤 (TBI) 是年轻人残疾的主要原因，重返工作 (RTW) 是康复的主要目标。这项定性研究旨在了解接受全面职业康复的 TBI 患者的 RTW 体验，并确定 RTW 过程中的促进和限制因素。在受伤后大约 4.5 年对 15 人（平均年龄 = 47.33 岁）进行了半结构化访谈，其中 14 人患有中度至重度 TBI。12 人已成功重返工作岗位。转录访谈的主题分析确定了影响 RTW 的三个关键因素：客户、工作和康复因素。在这些因素中，确定了 12 个据报道对 RTW 计划的成功或失败至关重要的主题。客户主题包括社会支持、认知困难和动机，RTW 过早与不利结果相关。工作主题包括工作调整、雇主支持和财务激励。康复主题包括 RTW 计划、职业职业治疗师的作用和工作准备。据报道，这些关键因素影响了 RTW 结果，包括三个进一步的主题：工作满意度、未来职业前景和生活质量。考虑这些因素可以为职业康复计划提供信息，从而有可能改善 TBI 后的就业结果。职业治疗师的作用和工作准备。据报道，这些关键因素影响了 RTW 结果，包括三个进一步的主题：工作满意度、未来职业前景和生活质量。考虑这些因素可以为职业康复计划提供信息，从而有可能改善 TBI 后的就业结果。职业治疗师的作用和工作准备。据报道，这些关键因素影响了 RTW 结果，包括三个进一步的主题：工作满意度、未来职业前景和生活质量。考虑这些因素可以为职业康复计划提供信息，从而有可能改善 TBI 后的就业结果。