Stakeholders’ Expectations of Return-to-Work After Spinal Cord Injury: A 1-Year Follow-Up

OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 2023 · DOI: 10.1177/15394492221097355 · Published: April 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores the expectations and understandings of return-to-work (RTW) after spinal cord injury (SCI) from the perspectives of workers, employers, and occupational therapists. The findings reveal that differing expectations among stakeholders can hinder open communication about flexible work arrangements, which are essential for successful RTW. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing social norms and policies that influence the RTW process to improve occupational therapy practices and support work reintegration for individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

1 Year

Participants

3 workers with spinal cord injuries, their employers, and an occupational therapist coordinator

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Employers often hold expectations based on an employee's pre-injury work capacity, sometimes forgetting the ongoing challenges posed by SCI.
2
Regulations, such as those from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (SSIA), can be inflexible and hinder personalized RTW approaches, leading to stakeholders working around the rules.
3
Individuals with SCI often feel pressured to meet colleagues' expectations and justify their worth, leading to stress and difficulty balancing work with their changed life circumstances.

Research Summary

This phenomenographic study explores the expectations and understandings of return-to-work (RTW) from the perspectives of three stakeholder types: workers with spinal cord injuries (SCI), their employers, and an occupational therapist coordinator. The study highlights how stakeholders’ different expectations prevented them from openly discussing more flexible arrangements to make return-to-work viable and sustainable. The study contributes to occupational therapy practice by raising awareness of the challenges of work reintegration and adds to occupational science by illuminating how normative social expectations and policy influence the RTW process.

Practical Implications

Promote Open Communication

Encourage open discussions among workers with SCI, employers, and therapists to address differing expectations and create flexible work arrangements.

Advocate for Policy Changes

Advocate for more flexible and person-centered regulations from social insurance agencies to support sustainable part-time work and address individual needs.

Raise Awareness of Social Norms

Raise awareness among colleagues and employers about the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with SCI to reduce pressure and promote a supportive work environment.

Stakeholders’ Expectations of Return-to-Work After Spinal Cord Injury: A 1-Year Follow-Up

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Promote Open Communication

Advocate for Policy Changes

Raise Awareness of Social Norms

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Stakeholders’ Expectations of Return-to-Work After Spinal Cord Injury: A 1-Year Follow-Up

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Promote Open Communication

Advocate for Policy Changes

Raise Awareness of Social Norms

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?