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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 24(2)

Clinician perspectives of ABI vocational rehabilitation in Queensland

Kerrin Watter https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2940-5277 A B * , Alena Murray A B , Vanette McLennan B C , Jessica Vogler A , Shelley Ehlers A , Sarah Jeffery A , Mandy Nielsen A B and Areti Kennedy A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Acquired Brain Injury Transitional Rehabilitation Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia

B The Hopkins Centre, Division of Rehabilitation, Metro South Health and Menzies Institute, Griffith University, QLD, Australia

C School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, QLD, Australia

* Correspondence to: Kerrin.Watter@health.qld.gov.au

Brain Impairment 24(2) 371-394 https://doi.org/10.1017/BrImp.2023.6
Submitted: 19 March 2021  Accepted: 19 February 2023  Published: 23 March 2023

© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment

Abstract

Introduction:

Services to support adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) and return to work goals are varied. In Queensland, Australia, return to work goals may be addressed through private or publicly funded rehabilitation services or through publicly funded employment programs. No set frameworks or processes are in place to guide clinicians in providing vocational rehabilitation to adults with ABI, and the extent to which services address clients’ vocational goals and/or provide vocational rehabilitation is unknown.

Method:

This qualitative study investigated the clinical practice and experiences of allied health rehabilitation clinicians (n = 34) to identify current practice in providing vocational rehabilitation to adults with ABI, including pathways and services; models, frameworks and tools; and recommendations for ideal services. Focus groups and online surveys were conducted, with data analysed via content analysis.

Results:

ABI vocational rehabilitation was inconsistently delivered within and across services in Queensland, with differences in access to services, aspects of vocational rehabilitation provided and timeframes for rehabilitation. Five key themes were identified regarding ABI vocational rehabilitation and service delivery in Queensland: Factors influencing ABI and return to work; Service provision; ABI vocational rehabilitation processes (including assessment tools and interventions); Service gaps; and Ideal ABI vocational rehabilitation services.

Discussion:

These findings can inform clinical practice and development, and current and future service delivery models for ABI vocational rehabilitation.

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, return to work, brain injuries, delivery of healthcare.

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