Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J76525

Journal:


Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 32, 4, 271-282

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the length of time to return to work (RTW) and identified variables predictive of RTW among service members and veterans (SM/V) with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were 293 SM/V enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) TBI Model Systems study who were of 18 to 60 years of age and admitted with the diagnosis of TBI. Data collected at the 1-year post-injury follow-up included employment status and time to employment (i.e., number of days it took to RTW). Results indicated that approximately 21 percent of the participants were employed at 1 year postinjury. Younger individuals who self-identified as nonminority returned to work sooner. Significant associations were observed for time to employment for cause of injury and injury severity. Few SM/V with moderate-to-severe TBI returned to work at 1 year postinjury. Predictors such as younger age at the time of injury, minority status, and severity of TBI affected time to and probability of RTW. Findings from this study have important implications for rehabilitation planning and service delivery across the continuum of recovery.

Author(s):


Dillahunt-Aspillaga, Christina, Nakase-Richardson, Risa, Hart, Tessa, Powell-Cope, Gail, Dreer, Laura E., Eapen, Blessen C., Barnett, Scott D., Mellick, Dave, Haskin, Adam, Silva, Marc A.