Work-support techniques used by occupational therapists to facilitate support after acquired brain injuries: A qualitative study

Abstract

Ensuring effective return to work following acquired brain injuries is crucial from the perspectives of both quality of life and the economy. However, techniques of occupational therapy support for return to work remain relatively unelucidated. To clarify the specific contents of occupational therapy required for work and work support for clients with acquired brain injuries. An interview-based survey was conducted with participants who had >10 years of occupational therapy experience and had provided work support. We selected participants via snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. A total of 20 participants (15 women and 5 men; 6, 12, 1, and 1 in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, respectively) were included. Six concepts were generated on reviewing the support for work items considered important by the occupational therapist as follows: “Support for vocational life,” “Support for interpersonal skills,” “Support for work,” “Support for illness, disability, and awareness,” “Support for utilization of compensation measures,” and “Support for goal setting.” We clarified the specific contents of work support, including support for vocational life and support for work, that is administered by occupational therapists who provide work support for clients with acquired brain injury. The insights from the study improve understanding of OTs’ roles and contributions in supporting clients with acquired brain injuries in returning to work.