Following acquired brain injury, the goal of return to work is common. While return to work is supported through different rehabilitation models and services, access to vocational rehabilitation varies within and between countries, and global rates of employment post-injury remain low. The literature identifies outcomes from vocational programs and experiences with return to work, yet little is known about individuals’ perceptions and experiences regarding rehabilitation to support their vocational goals and experiences in attempting to return to work.

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of community-living adults with acquired brain injury (n = 8; mean age 45 years; mean time post-injury of 5.5 years) regarding their vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted, with data analyzed via thematic analysis.

Participants identified negative and positive experiences with vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Five overarching themes were identified: addressing vocational rehabilitation in rehabilitation; facilitators of recovery and return to work; the importance and experience of working again; acquired brain injury and identity; and services, systems and policies. Participants also identified five key areas for early vocational rehabilitation services: education; service provision; employer liaison; workplace supports; and peer mentors. Study findings inform current and future practice and service delivery, at a clinical, service and system level.

在获得性脑损伤后，重返工作岗位的目标很常见。虽然通过不同的康复模式和服务支持重返工作岗位，但国家内部和国家之间获得职业康复的机会各不相同，全球受伤后就业率仍然很低。文献确定了职业计划的结果和重返工作岗位的经历，但人们对康复的看法和经验知之甚少，以支持他们尝试重返工作岗位的职业目标和经历。

这项定性研究调查了患有获得性脑损伤的社区生活成年人（n = 8；平均年龄 45 岁；平均受伤后 5.5 年）在职业康复和重返工作岗位方面的经历。进行了焦点小组和半结构化访谈，并通过主题分析对数据进行了分析。

参与者确定了职业康复和重返工作岗位的消极和积极经验。确定了五个总体主题：解决康复中的职业康复问题；恢复和重返工作岗位的促进者；再次工作的重要性和经验；获得性脑损伤和身份；和服务、系统和政策。参与者还确定了早期职业康复服务的五个关键领域：教育；提供服务; 雇主联络；工作场所支持；和同行导师。研究结果在临床、服务和系统层面为当前和未来的实践和服务提供提供信息。