Factors associated with sustaining work after an acquired brain injury: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Purpose: Maintaining work in the long term represents a major challenge for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) as evidenced by a high rate of premature labour market dropouts. The present study aimed to compile factors associated with working in the long term after sustaining an ABI. Materials and methods: We carried out a scoping review synthesizing quantitative and qualitative research conducted between 2000 and 2021. Databases searched comprised PubMed, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: Ten quantitative and nine qualitative studies were included, all but one from high-resource countries. Quantitative research predominantly comprised longitudinal follow-ups on individuals’ work status several years post ABI onset, showing an effect of injury-related and sociodemographic factors. Qualitative studies mostly dealt with work maintenance and revealed a key role of cognitive difficulties, psychological personal factors (e.g., adequate coping strategies) and environmental factors (e.g., flexible work schedules, supportive colleagues). Conclusions: The factors identified in our review should receive particular attention in vocational integration and job retention programs to support work participation of people with ABI in the long term. There is a need for measures that regularly monitor and promote a good match between individuals and their work environment.funded by Swiss National Science Fundation, grant nr: 10531 C_17332