Developing A Conceptual Framework for Early Intervention Vocational Rehabilitation for People Following Spinal Cord Injury

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 2023 · DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10060-9 · Published: August 4, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Early intervention vocational rehabilitation (EIVR) aims to improve employment outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by fostering hope, optimizing self-efficacy, and maintaining worker identity early in the rehabilitation process. The study developed a conceptual framework to explain how EIVR works, using a gardening metaphor where the individual is a seed that needs the right conditions to grow and return to work. Key to the EIVR program's success is establishing and maintaining hope through consistent messaging from the rehabilitation team, reinforcing the possibility of returning to work.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

30 people with SCI in interviews, 37 people with SCI in survey, focus group of EIVR providers, focus group of community vocational providers

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Hope is a cornerstone of EIVR, converting elements of the process into goals and pathways to facilitate return to work following injury.
2
Consistent messaging from the rehabilitation team about the possibility of returning to work is crucial for establishing and maintaining hope.
3
The individualized nature of EIVR allows person-specific conditions to be established, allowing the individual to consider their own RTW goals

Research Summary

The study developed a conceptual framework for EIVR, using a gardening metaphor, which encapsulates the types and degrees of growth and support needed to plan and action RTW following SCI. Key mechanisms of EIVR include establishing and maintaining hope, building trusting relationships, and providing individualized support to promote self-efficacy and worker identity. Effective communication with community-based vocational providers is crucial for ensuring ongoing momentum regarding RTW, through maintenance of hope and ongoing adjustment following injury.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Team Training

Training multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams to deliver consistent and positive messaging about return to work to foster hope among individuals with SCI.

Individualized Support

Tailoring EIVR interventions to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each individual, focusing on strengths and addressing internal schema of disability.

Seamless Transition

Ensuring effective communication and coordination between inpatient EIVR services and community-based vocational providers to maintain momentum towards RTW goals after discharge.

Study Limitations

1
The views of employers of people with SCI were not included.
2
Majority of participants were covered by a no-fault cover compensation scheme.
3
The level of SCI differed between interview and survey participants.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury