Citation

Braaf SC, Collie A, Ameratunga S, Harrison J, Teague W, Cameron P, Christie N, Gabbe B. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 553 St Kilda Road, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3004 (Braaf, Collie, Cameron, Gabbe); School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Morrin Road, St Johns, Auckland, New Zealand (Ameratunga); Research Centre for Injury Studies, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Beford Park, Adelaide, Australia (Harrison); Trauma Service, The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Melbourne, Australia (Teague); Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Melbourne Australia (Teague); Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Melbourne, Australia (Teague); Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College of London, Gower Street, London, United Kingdom (Christie).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000001719

PMID

31609779

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore how people with serious injuries returned to paid employment in the first 3-years after injury.

METHODS: Fifty-four adult survivors of serious injuries were interviewed at 3-years post-injury, all of whom had returned to work and were currently employed. A framework analysis approach was undertaken.

RESULTS: Participant decisions and actions taken to return to work (RTW) were influenced by their resilience, approach to adjusting goals, priorities and plans, and how social connections and relationships were used and maintained. The environment in which these decisions and actions were taken shaped opportunities for work in meaningful, appropriate and sustained employment.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study of 54 people who RTW indicated the importance of personal adjustments and resources, positive social relations, and advanced planning aligning with responsive employers, insurers and health professionals for successful RTW.

Language: en