Journal Article Details

Citation:
King, T., Emery, R., Warren, S., & Landis, T. (2004). A collaborative approach to returning clients to work during the first year after spinal cord injury. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 9 (4), 33 -42.
Title:
A collaborative approach to returning clients to work during the first year after spinal cord injury
Authors:
King, T., Emery, R., Warren, S., & Landis, T.
Year:
2004
Journal/Publication: 
Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Publisher:
Thomas Land Publishers, Inc.
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
Not reported

Structured abstract:

Background:
Work can improve the overall quality of life of individuals following SCI. However, research consistently reports low levels of return to work rates. New and innovative approaches to enhance outcomes is needed.
Purpose:
The purpose of this observational study was to describe a case management "Marcus Community Bridge" program that followed individuals from inpatient rehabilitation discharge in order to achieve better employment outcomes for individuals with SCI.
Setting:
Services took place in a variety of community settings.
Study sample:
The sample included 174 people with SCI aged 18 to 62 years. Individuals were newly injured and represented all levels of injury.
Intervention:
An enhanced case management system which provided consistent support over time, was implemented to assist people with SCI with return to work or educational training. A vocational rehabilitation counselor, vocational specialist, and Bridges staff collaborated to support a person with SCI with a career plan. This program extended the continuum of care.
Control or comparison condition:
There was no control or comparison condition.
Data collection & analysis:
Data were collected on patients with SCI who were enrolled in the "Bridges" program at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post discharge. Work status was categorized by pre and post injury employment status. Percent of persons employed by specific time frames after discharge were also calculated.
Findings:
One year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation the return to work rate was 17%. The return to educational training rate was 31.6%
Conclusions:
The researchers concluded that one year is not enough time for individuals with SCI to reach their vocational potential. Some factors related to successful return to work are beyond control.
Disabilities served:
Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Interventions:
Other
Outcomes:
Other