Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes of a Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Patients with Acquired Brain Injury in The Netherlands

Purpose To describe short-term and long-term work status after a vocational rehabilitation (VR) program in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) in the Netherlands. Methods Patients with ABI who participated in a VR program between 2007 and 2010 were included in this study. The 4-month VR program included a multidisciplinary assessment, three meetings with all stakeholders and reintegration with coaching on the job. Short-term results at the end of the VR program were based on data extracted from medical records. Long-term results were determined at 3-6 years (mean 4.4 years) after the program based on patient-reported data. Outcome measures included return to work, hours at work and task adjustments. Results Fifty-eight patients were included [mean age 48 (SD 9.4) years; n = 33 male; all working before ABI]. After the intervention, 50 patients (86%) had returned to work, working on average 60% of their former hours. Working tasks were adjusted in 48 patients. At long-term follow-up 28 patients had paid work, working on average 5.3 h more than immediately after the VR program. Conclusions Directly after the intervention 86% of the patients had returned to work. After 3-6 years, 64% of these patients were still working in a paid job