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Work conditions, support, and changing personal priorities are perceived important for return to work and for stay at work after stroke–a qualitative study

Lindgren, Ingrid LU ; Brogårdh, Christina LU ; Pessah-Rasmussen, Hélène LU ; Jonasson, Stina B. LU orcid and Gard, Gunvor LU (2022) In Disability and Rehabilitation 44(11). p.2500-2506
Abstract

Purpose: To explore work related and personal facilitators and barriers for return to work (RTW) and stay at work after stroke. Materials and methods: Twenty individuals post-stroke (median age 52 years; seven women) were interviewed in focus groups. Data were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. Results: An overall theme “Work conditions, support and changed personal priorities influenced RTW and stay at work after stroke” emerged and covered three categories: “Adjustments and flexibility at the work place facilitated RTW and a sustainable work situation”, “Psychosocial support and knowledge about stroke consequences facilitated work and reduced stress”, and “Changed view of work and other personal priorities”. Physical... (More)

Purpose: To explore work related and personal facilitators and barriers for return to work (RTW) and stay at work after stroke. Materials and methods: Twenty individuals post-stroke (median age 52 years; seven women) were interviewed in focus groups. Data were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. Results: An overall theme “Work conditions, support and changed personal priorities influenced RTW and stay at work after stroke” emerged and covered three categories: “Adjustments and flexibility at the work place facilitated RTW and a sustainable work situation”, “Psychosocial support and knowledge about stroke consequences facilitated work and reduced stress”, and “Changed view of work and other personal priorities”. Physical adjustments at the work place and flexibility in the work schedule were perceived facilitators. Support from family and colleagues were important, whereas lack of knowledge of stroke disabilities at the work place was perceived a barrier. Also changed personal priorities in relation to the work and the current life situation influenced RTW in various ways. Conclusions: The individual’s opportunities to influence the work situation is a key factor for RTW and the ability to stay at work after stroke. Adjustments, flexibility, support, knowledge of stroke, and receptivity to a changed view of work are important for a sustainable work situation.Implications for rehabilitation Physical adjustments at the work place, a flexible work schedule and support increase the individual’s possibility to RTW and maintain a sustainable work situation after stroke. Changed work and life priorities after a stroke need attention in the RTW process. Rehabilitation professionals have an important role in providing knowledge about the disabilities following stroke, and how they impact work ability. Individually tailored recommendations for work place adjustments which enable RTW and a sustainable work situation are warranted.

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author
; ; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
adjustment, impairments, qualitative study, Stroke, vocational rehabilitation
in
Disability and Rehabilitation
volume
44
issue
11
pages
2500 - 2506
publisher
Taylor & Francis
external identifiers
  • pmid:33103509
  • scopus:85094211811
ISSN
0963-8288
DOI
10.1080/09638288.2020.1836522
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
a3365412-be8a-4e35-8442-05911f3ea9c1
date added to LUP
2020-11-11 13:08:43
date last changed
2024-04-17 18:31:14
@article{a3365412-be8a-4e35-8442-05911f3ea9c1,
  abstract     = {{<p>Purpose: To explore work related and personal facilitators and barriers for return to work (RTW) and stay at work after stroke. Materials and methods: Twenty individuals post-stroke (median age 52 years; seven women) were interviewed in focus groups. Data were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. Results: An overall theme “Work conditions, support and changed personal priorities influenced RTW and stay at work after stroke” emerged and covered three categories: “Adjustments and flexibility at the work place facilitated RTW and a sustainable work situation”, “Psychosocial support and knowledge about stroke consequences facilitated work and reduced stress”, and “Changed view of work and other personal priorities”. Physical adjustments at the work place and flexibility in the work schedule were perceived facilitators. Support from family and colleagues were important, whereas lack of knowledge of stroke disabilities at the work place was perceived a barrier. Also changed personal priorities in relation to the work and the current life situation influenced RTW in various ways. Conclusions: The individual’s opportunities to influence the work situation is a key factor for RTW and the ability to stay at work after stroke. Adjustments, flexibility, support, knowledge of stroke, and receptivity to a changed view of work are important for a sustainable work situation.Implications for rehabilitation Physical adjustments at the work place, a flexible work schedule and support increase the individual’s possibility to RTW and maintain a sustainable work situation after stroke. Changed work and life priorities after a stroke need attention in the RTW process. Rehabilitation professionals have an important role in providing knowledge about the disabilities following stroke, and how they impact work ability. Individually tailored recommendations for work place adjustments which enable RTW and a sustainable work situation are warranted.</p>}},
  author       = {{Lindgren, Ingrid and Brogårdh, Christina and Pessah-Rasmussen, Hélène and Jonasson, Stina B. and Gard, Gunvor}},
  issn         = {{0963-8288}},
  keywords     = {{adjustment; impairments; qualitative study; Stroke; vocational rehabilitation}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{11}},
  pages        = {{2500--2506}},
  publisher    = {{Taylor & Francis}},
  series       = {{Disability and Rehabilitation}},
  title        = {{Work conditions, support, and changing personal priorities are perceived important for return to work and for stay at work after stroke–a qualitative study}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2020.1836522}},
  doi          = {{10.1080/09638288.2020.1836522}},
  volume       = {{44}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}