Description of a return-to-work occupational therapy programme for stroke rehabilitation in Singapore

Experiences of participating in a vocational rehabilitation program in Singapore

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to (i) describe the lived experiences of participating in a Singaporean vocational rehabilitation (VR) program among individuals with stroke and spinal cord injury and (ii) identify salient features of the program that facilitated their return-to-work process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a qualitative phenomenological study. Participants were invited to complete an interview about their return-to-work process after acquiring a disability vis-à-vis their participation in a local VR program. The qualitative data were analyzed inductively.

RESULTS

Twenty-four middle-aged participants with a stroke or spinal cord injury completed the interviews. The participants' experiences with the local VR program were largely positive. Several key features of the VR program were identified. These were: (i) providing a multi-disciplinary and individualized program; (ii) building positive collaborations between service providers and participants; and (iii) supporting personal growth among participants.

CONCLUSION

The Singaporean VR program demonstrated internationally recommended best practices. These best practices were beneficial for the participants' return-to-work process, as reflected by their positive feedback about the program. Our study emphasizes the need for comprehensive and evidence-based VR programs to meet the complex needs of individuals with disabilities who want to return to work.Implications for rehabilitationMulti- or inter-disciplinary care services are needed in vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs to support the complex return-to-work process of clients.VR programs should have the capacity to provide client-centered care as their clients may experience diverse, yet unique challenges during their return-to-work processVR service providers play a crucial role in engaging and motivating their clients throughout the program to achieve their return-to-work goalsVR service providers should address concurrent or future concerns that could impact on their clients' ability to return to or remain at work.

Interventions to Facilitate Return to Work after Stroke: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To gather knowledge about effective return to work interventions for survivors of stroke.

METHODS

A database search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science using keywords and medical subject headings. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (i) studies published in English since the year 2000; (ii) adult patients aged 18-65 with a primary diagnosis of stroke; (iii) working pre-stroke; and (iv) intervention in which one of the primary outcomes is return to work. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed and the evidence synthesised.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included, of which three were randomised controlled trials, four were retrospective studies, one was a cohort study, one was an explorative longitudinal study, one was a pre-post treatment observation study and two were pilot studies. The employment rate at follow-up ranged from 7% to 75.6%. Overall, there was limited published evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions to promote return to work for this population, and it was unclear if return to pre-stroke work was the goal.

CONCLUSION

A lack of large, controlled trials, variations in follow-up time and the definitions of return to work accounted for the large range of employment rates at follow-up. There is limited published high-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions to promote return to work in working-age survivors of stroke.

A qualitative study of Singaporean perspectives on returning to work after stroke

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke return-to-work (RTW) rates reported in Singapore ranged between 38% and 55%, indicating challenges in the RTW process among individuals with stroke.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to understand the lived experience of returning to work among individuals with stroke in Singapore.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. We recruited individuals with stroke who were citizens or permanent residents of Singapore. We conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data on their lived experience of returning to work and analyzed the interview data inductively.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven participants completed the interviews. Their median age was 61 years (interquartile range = 54 - 64). They were mostly male (n = 19, 70.4%) and married (n = 21, 78%). Twenty participants (74%) returned to work after their stroke. Three major themes emerged from the interviews that underpinned the participants' RTW experience. They were i) direct impact of stroke, ii) realignment of life priorities, and iii) engagement with support and resources.

CONCLUSION

RTW after stroke is complex and influenced by personal and environmental factors. Our findings suggest that individuals with stroke need continuing support to overcome stigma and discrimination, to manage expectations of their recovery process, and to better navigate resources during their RTW process in Singapore. We recommend future studies to design and test the feasibility of appropriate interventions based on our proposed strategies to better support individuals with stroke to return to work.

Understanding Return to Work After Stroke Internationally: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Internationally, the changing landscape of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up post stroke is resulting in a concomitant rise in the number of survivors still in the workforce. Return to work (RTW) is a common goal for adults after stroke; however, poststroke disabilities may limit occupational opportunities. This scoping review was undertaken to gain an understanding of the concept of RTW, how it is defined in the literature, types of research conducted on RTW after stroke, and characteristics of patients who do and do not RTW. We also wanted to gain an understanding of the interventions that were successful for RTW, their efficacy, and which healthcare professionals conducted such interventions. METHODS: Two authors reviewed articles using a customized data extraction tool. Adhering to current scoping review guidelines, data were collated and described using narrative and tables. RESULTS: A total of 48 studies were included in this scoping review: 34 quantitative, 11 qualitative, and 3 mixed method studies. The studies were conducted between the years 1998 and 2018, with more than half undertaken within the past decade and primarily in economically developed countries. DISCUSSION: Few interventions specifically targeted RTW as a primary outcome; most interventions were conducted by rehabilitation professionals with RTW measured by self-report. The nursing contribution was noticeably absent in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Return to work has not been consistently operationalized in the literature. Although nurses are in a unique position to assist stroke survivors in their goal of RTW, how to do so remains elusive.

Predictors of return to work among stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is acknowledged globally and among Nigerian rehabilitation researchers as a public health problem that leaves half of its survivors with significant neurological deficits and inability to re-establish pre-existing roles. Consequent to the dearth of country specific data on return to work and its determinants for stroke survivors in Nigeria, this study investigated the predictors of return to work among stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria.

METHOD

Two hundred and ten stroke survivors from five tertiary health facilities in Osun state, Nigeria responded to a validated three-section questionnaire assessing return to work rates and its determinants after stroke in this study. Collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistic of chi-square, t-test and multiple logistic regression.

RESULT

The mean age of the respondents was 52.90 ± 7.92 years. Over 60% of the respondents returned to work with about half of them in full time employment (32.9%). Majority of the respondents noted that travel to and from work (43.8%) and access at work (43.3%) had an impact on their ability to work. The symptoms of stroke (odds ratio (OR) = 0.87), the environment (OR = 0.83), body function impairments (OR = 0.86) as well as activity and participation problems (OR = 0.80) were the significant predictors of return to work. Hemiplegia or paresis of the non-dominant side of the body was associated with a higher chance of return to work (OR = 7.64).

CONCLUSION

Body function impairments, activity and participation problems were independent predictors of return to work after stroke. Similarly, side of hemiplegia plays a prominent role in resumption of the worker role of stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria.

Supporting People With Stroke to Return to Work in Singapore: Findings From a Pilot Vocational Rehabilitation Program

IMPORTANCE

Return to work after stroke is an important rehabilitation outcome. Vocational rehabilitation may support people with stroke to return to work.

OBJECTIVE

To report the return-to-work rate of people with stroke who completed a local community-based vocational rehabilitation program and to describe the program's impact on their community reintegration.

DESIGN

Retrospective database study.

SETTING

Community-based voluntary welfare organization.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-eight men and women ages 21 to 55 yr, formally diagnosed with stroke, with no significant cognitive impairment, and fit to undergo rehabilitation.

INTERVENTION

A pilot community-based interdisciplinary vocational rehabilitation program implemented between 2014 and 2017. The program included physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support, employment support, and caregiver support services.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Return-to-work rate and community reintegration as measured by the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ).

RESULTS

Fifty participants completed the program. Their median age was 44 yr, and most were male (n = 37; 74%). Forty-four participants (88%) returned to work after completing the program. Statistically significant differences (p < .001) were found between their CIQ scores at program enrollment and at completion.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The program appeared to benefit people with stroke in their return-to-work process. Future studies are recommended to determine the effectiveness of such programs and identify features contributing to their success. Potential implications for occupational therapy practice are that vocational rehabilitation interventions can be initiated earlier, comprehensive return-to-work programs can better address the unique needs of people with stroke, and interdisciplinary evaluations are needed to assess suitability for return to work.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS

One of occupational therapy's unique goals is to facilitate performance and participation in valued activities such as work. Occupational therapists can play a pivotal role across the continuum of care to support their clients to explore and achieve their vocational goals after stroke.

Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

PURPOSE

The aim of this guideline is to provide a synopsis of best clinical practices in the rehabilitative care of adults recovering from stroke.

METHODS

Writing group members were nominated by the committee chair on the basis of their previous work in relevant topic areas and were approved by the American Heart Association (AHA) Stroke Council's Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and the AHA's Manuscript Oversight Committee. The panel reviewed relevant articles on adults using computerized searches of the medical literature through 2014. The evidence is organized within the context of the AHA framework and is classified according to the joint AHA/American College of Cardiology and supplementary AHA methods of classifying the level of certainty and the class and level of evidence. The document underwent extensive AHA internal and external peer review, Stroke Council Leadership review, and Scientific Statements Oversight Committee review before consideration and approval by the AHA Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee.

RESULTS

Stroke rehabilitation requires a sustained and coordinated effort from a large team, including the patient and his or her goals, family and friends, other caregivers (eg, personal care attendants), physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, recreation therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, social workers, and others. Communication and coordination among these team members are paramount in maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation and underlie this entire guideline. Without communication and coordination, isolated efforts to rehabilitate the stroke survivor are unlikely to achieve their full potential.

CONCLUSIONS

As systems of care evolve in response to healthcare reform efforts, postacute care and rehabilitation are often considered a costly area of care to be trimmed but without recognition of their clinical impact and ability to reduce the risk of downstream medical morbidity resulting from immobility, depression, loss of autonomy, and reduced functional independence. The provision of comprehensive rehabilitation programs with adequate resources, dose, and duration is an essential aspect of stroke care and should be a priority in these redesign efforts. (Stroke.2016;47:e98-e169. DOI: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000098.).

Outcomes of return-to-work after stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review

Introduction

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the outcomes of return-to-work for stroke survivors of working age after conventional stroke rehabilitation or vocational rehabilitation.

Method

Searches were performed using three electronic databases for literature published in English in the 10-year period 2004–2014 which included a population of working age stroke survivors who had previously participated in conventional or vocational rehabilitation, and which presented the outcomes of return-to-work.

Findings

The literature search yielded 10 studies that satisfied our selection criteria. Three studies involved vocational rehabilitation. Studies illustrated and compared the vocational status at or among different stages of ‘pre-stroke’, ‘post-stroke and before rehabilitation discharge’, ‘rehabilitation discharge’ and ‘follow-up’. The employment rate at follow-up ranged from 7% to 81.1%.

Conclusion

Methodological variations accounted for the wide range of return-to-work rates. There was limited evidence to support the conclusion that rehabilitation increases return-to-work rates for stroke survivors of working age, but recent studies showed that improvements in fatigue and cognitive function after stroke rehabilitation were related to good return-to-work outcomes. Either specialised vocational rehabilitation, conventional stroke rehabilitation or their combination is needed to increase return-to-work rates and improve the quality of life for stroke survivors of working age.

The global impact of non-communicable diseases on macro-economic productivity: a systematic review

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have large economic impact at multiple levels. To systematically review the literature investigating the economic impact of NCDs [including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer (lung, colon, cervical and breast), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD)] on macro-economic productivity. Systematic search, up to November 6th 2014, of medical databases (Medline, Embase and Google Scholar) without language restrictions. To identify additional publications, we searched the reference lists of retrieved studies and contacted authors in the field. Randomized controlled trials, cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, ecological studies and modelling studies carried out in adults (>18 years old) were included. Two independent reviewers performed all abstract and full text selection. Disagreements were resolved through consensus or consulting a third reviewer. Two independent reviewers extracted data using a predesigned data collection form. Main outcome measure was the impact of the selected NCDs on productivity, measured in DALYs, productivity costs, and labor market participation, including unemployment, return to work and sick leave. From 4542 references, 126 studies met the inclusion criteria, many of which focused on the impact of more than one NCD on productivity. Breast cancer was the most common (n = 45), followed by stroke (n = 31), COPD (n = 24), colon cancer (n = 24), DM (n = 22), lung cancer (n = 16), CVD (n = 15), cervical cancer (n = 7) and CKD (n = 2). Four studies were from the WHO African Region, 52 from the European Region, 53 from the Region of the Americas and 16 from the Western Pacific Region, one from the Eastern Mediterranean Region and none from South East Asia. We found large regional differences in DALYs attributable to NCDs but especially for cervical and lung cancer. Productivity losses in the USA ranged from 88 million US dollars (USD) for COPD to 20.9 billion USD for colon cancer. CHD costs the Australian economy 13.2 billion USD per year. People with DM, COPD and survivors of breast and especially lung cancer are at a higher risk of reduced labor market participation. Overall NCDs generate a large impact on macro-economic productivity in most WHO regions irrespective of continent and income. The absolute global impact in terms of dollars and DALYs remains an elusive challenge due to the wide heterogeneity in the included studies as well as limited information from low- and middle-income countries.

The effect of a workplace intervention programme on return to work after stroke: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a workplace intervention programme on the rate of return to work of previously employed stroke survivors in the Gauteng province of South Africa.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Participants' workplaces and three hospitals with stroke rehabilitation facilities.

SUBJECTS

Eighty stroke survivors between the ages of 18 and 60 years who were employed at the time of stroke onset.

INTERVENTION

The workplace intervention programme was tailored according to functional ability and workplace challenges of each stroke survivor. The control group received usual stroke care which took into consideration job requirements but without workplace intervention.

MAIN OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was return to work rate. Secondary outcomes included activities of daily living (ADLs), mobility, basic cognitive function and perceived quality of life.

RESULTS

At six months follow-up 60% (n = 24) of stroke survivors in the intervention group returned to work compared to 20% (n = 8) in the control group (P <0.001). The odds ratio for return to work for stroke survivors in the intervention group was 5.2. For every unit increase in the ADLs and cognitive assessment score, the odds of return to work increased by 1.7 and 1.3 respectively; those who returned to work had better quality of life than those who did not return to work (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A workplace intervention consisting of workability assessments and workplace visits was effective in facilitating return to work for stroke survivors in the Gauteng province of South Africa.

A conceptual-practice model for occupational therapy to facilitate return to work in breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

Improved therapies and early detection have significantly increased the number of breast cancers survivors, leading to increasing needs regarding return to work (RTW). Occupational therapy (OT) interventions provide successful RTW assistance for other conditions, but are not validated in breast cancer. This paper aims to identify a theoretical framework for OT intervention by questioning how OT models can be used in OT interventions in RTW of breast cancer patients; criteria to be used to select these models and adaptations that would be necessary to match the OT model(s) to breast cancer patients' needs?

METHODS

Using research specific criteria derived from OT literature (conceptual OT-model, multidisciplinary, referring to the International Classification of functioning (ICF), RTW in breast cancer) a search in 9 electronic databases was conducted to select articles that describe conceptual OT models. A content analysis of those models complying to at least two of the selection criteria was realised. Checking for breast cancer specific issues, results were matched with literature of care-models regarding RTW in breast cancer.

RESULTS

From the nine models initially identified, three [Canadian Model of Occupational Performance, Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance model] were selected based on the selection criteria. The MOHO had the highest compliance rate with the criteria. To enhance usability in breast cancer, some adaptations are needed.

CONCLUSION

No OT model to facilitate RTW in breast cancer could be identified, indicating a need to fill this gap. Individual and societal needs of breast cancer patients can be answered by using a MOHO-based OT model, extended with indications for better treatment, work-outcomes and longitudinal process factors.

Functional Outcomes after Inpatient Rehabilitation in a Prospective Stroke Cohort

Aim:

Rehabilitation is proven to improve function following a stroke. The functional outcomes of stroke patients and benefits from rehabilitation are highly variable. We aim to describe functional outcomes and gains following inpatient rehabilitation post-stroke and identify factors associated with improved outcomes.

Methods:

In this five-years prospective study, data for 1332 consecutive stroke patients admitted to the Singapore General Hospital inpatient rehabilitation unit were charted into a custom-designed rehabilitation database. The primary outcome measure was the Functional Independence Measure (AFIM) and discharge (DFIM). The functional gain was defined as the DFIM-AFIM.

Results:

The mean age was 64.1±12.5 years, 58.9% were male patients and 78.9% consisted of ischaemic (versus haemorrhagic) strokes. The average rehabilitation length of stay (RLOS) was 18.7±13.9 days and the majority (87.7%) were discharged home. The most common risk factor was hypertension (78.4%) and urinary tract infection (21.2%) was the commonest post-stroke complication. The mean AFIM and DFIM scores were 67.9±23.0 and 83.2±23.5 respectively with a mean functional gain of 15.4±12.3 FIM points. Younger, male, and haemorrhagic stroke patients had better functional outcomes. Multiple regression analysis results revealed that higher DFIM score was associated with higher admission motor and cognitive FIM scores, younger age, male gender, employment at admission, single patients, presence of a caregiver, haemorrhagic stroke, right-sided motor impairments, absence of urinary tract infection or depression, acupunction treatment, and a longer RLOS. The regression model on functional gain was associated with similar independent predictors on DFIM scores except that a higher AFIM was associated with lower functional gains.

Conclusion:

In this large cohort study, stroke patients make significant functional gains and should be offered rehabilitation to improve outcomes. A comprehensive set of multiple interacting demographic, clinical, cultural, and social factors significanctly impact on stroke functional outcomes after inpatient rehabilitation. The identification of these factors allows optimising rehabilitation for individual patients, and is important for discharge and resource planning.

The psychology of stroke in young adults: the roles of service provision and return to work

Literature about the psychological consequences of stroke in those under 65 is reviewed focussing on services and work. Despite similarities, young and old survivors have different experiences and needs. These are attributable to the effects of stroke on age-normative roles and activities, self-image, and the young person's stage in the life-cycle, especially family and work. "Hidden" cognitive impairments, a disrupted sense of self, and the incongruity of suffering an "older person's" disease are salient. Young survivors benefit from services, but experience lack of congruence between their needs and service philosophy, methods, and aims, and consequently have unmet needs. Employment is psychologically salient, and the evidence about return rates, factors that affect return, and the adequacy of employment-related service provision is reviewed. Specific and general recommendations are made for increasing congruence between young survivors' needs and service provision and also for facilitating their return to work.

Content validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for stroke: the perspective of occupational therapists

BACKGROUND

The "ICF Core Set for stroke" is an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and represents the typical spectrum of problems in the functioning of patients with stroke.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to validate this ICF Core Set from the perspective of occupational therapists.

METHODS

In a three-round electronic mail survey using the Delphi technique, occupational therapists experienced in stroke treatment were asked about patients'problems, patients' resources, and aspects of environment they take care of. Two health professionals linked responses to the ICF.

FINDINGS

Sixty-nine occupational therapists in 21 countries named 1,747 concepts that occupational therapists treat in patients with stroke. These concepts were linked to 347 different ICF categories. Twenty-three concepts were linked to the ICF component Personal Factors.

CONCLUSION

The content validity of the "ICF Core Set for stroke" was largely supported by occupational therapists.

Developing a Core Set to describe functioning in vocational rehabilitation using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF)

INTRODUCTION

The consequences of accidents, injuries, and health conditions that prevent workers from engaging in employment are prevailing issues in the area of work disability. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs aim to facilitate return-to-work process but there is no universal description of functioning for patients who participate in VR. Our objective is to develop a Core Set for VR based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF). An ICF Core Set is a short list of ICF categories with alphanumeric codes relevant to a health condition or a health-related event.

METHODS

Development process consists of three phases. First is the preparatory phase which consists of four parallel studies: (1) systematic review of the literature, (2) worldwide survey of experts, (3) cross-sectional study, and (4) focus group interview. Patients with various health conditions are to be recruited from five VR centers located in Switzerland and Germany. The second phase is a consensus conference where findings from the preparatory phase will be presented followed by a multi-stage consensus process to determine the ICF categories that will comprise the Core Set for VR. The final phase consists of validation studies in several health conditions and settings.

CONCLUSIONS

We expect the first version of the ICF Core Set for VR to be completed in 2010. The Core Set can serve as a guide in the evaluation of patients and in planning appropriate intervention within VR programs. This Core Set could also provide a standard and common language among clinicians, researchers, insurers, and policymakers in the implementation of successful VR.