Work limitations four years following mild traumatic brain injury: A Cohort Study

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Alice Theadom, Suzanne Barker-Collo, Kelly Jones, Michael Kahan, Braden Te Ao, Kathryn McPherson, Nicola Starkey, Valery Feigin
ObjectiveTo explore employment status, work limitations and productivity loss following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).Study DesignInception cohort study over four years.SettingGeneral community.Participants245 Adults (>16 years at the time of injury), who experienced a mild TBI and who were employed prior to their injury.InterventionsNot applicableMain Outcome MeasuresDetails of the injury, demographic information and pre-injury employment status were collected from medical records and self-report. Symptoms and mood were assessed one-month post-injury using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Post-injury employment status and work productivity were assessed four-years post-injury using the Work Limitations Questionnaire.ResultsFour-years following mild TBI, 17.3% of participants had exited the workforce (other than for reasons of retirement or to study) or had reduced their working hours compared to pre-injury. A further 15.5% reported experiencing limitations at work as a result of their injury. Average work productivity loss was 3.6% The symptom of 'taking longer to think' one month post-injury significantly predicted work productivity loss four years later (β = 0.47, t = 3.79, p = <0.001).ConclusionsWhilst changes in employment status and difficulties at work are likely over time, the results indicate increased unemployment rates, work limitations and productivity loss in the longer-term following a mild TBI. Identification of cognitive difficulties one month following TBI in working aged adults and subsequent interventions to address these difficulties are required to facilitate work productivity.



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