MARTIN RA, JOHNS JK, HACKNEY JJ, BOURKE JA, YOUNG TJ, NUNNERLEY JL, SNELL DL, DERRETT S, DUNN JA. Early Opportunities to Explore Occupational Identity Change: Qualitative Study of Return-To-Work Experiences After Stroke.
J Rehabil Med 2023;
55:jrm00363. [PMID:
36748979 PMCID:
PMC9926496 DOI:
10.2340/jrm.v55.4825]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Rates of return-to-work after stroke are low, yet work is known to positively impact people's wellbeing and overall health outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To understand return-to-work trajectories, barriers encountered, and resources that may be used to better support participants during early recovery and rehabilitation.
PARTICIPANTS
The experiences of 31 participants (aged 25-76 years) who had or had not returned to work after stroke were explored.
METHODS
Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis methods within a broader realist research approach.
RESULTS
Participants identified an early need to explore a changed and changing occupational identity within a range of affirming environments, thereby ascertaining their return-to-work options early after stroke. The results articulate resources participants identified as most important for their occupational explorations. Theme 1 provides an overview of opportunities participants found helpful when exploring work options, while theme 2 explores fundamental principles for ensuring the provided opportunities were perceived as beneficial. Finally, theme 3 provides an overview of prioritized return-to-work service characteristics.
CONCLUSION
The range and severity of impairments experienced by people following stroke are broad, and therefore their return-to-work needs are diverse. However, all participants, irrespective of impairment, highlighted the need for early opportunities to explore their changed and changing occupational identity.
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