1. Prevention of Post-Concussional Syndrome in North American Workers: The Importance of Early Intervention on Vocational Outcome
- Author
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Jeanne M LeBlanc and Kaitlyn McLachlan
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Rehabilitation ,business.industry ,Project commissioning ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation ,medicine.disease ,Outcome (game theory) ,Educational approach ,Outpatient rehabilitation ,Intervention (counseling) ,Vocational education ,Concussion ,medicine ,Physical therapy ,business - Abstract
The purpose of this study was to: (1) Establish whether or not specific rehabilitation for mild brain injury is effective for return to work; and (2) compare the efficacy of an impairment-focused model of treatment versus an early education approach in respect to ability to return to work. Two different approaches to intervention and treatment for those with a suspected concussion from a work-related injury were utilised by an urban, interdisciplinary, outpatient rehabilitation facility. The first approach, Group Treatment (GT), provided minimal early education at time of initial intake, emphasising an extensive group-focused interdisciplinary assessment and treatment. The second approach, Individualized Education and Treatment, (IET) emphasised early education, instead coupled with specific individualised services. Both groups received employment services. Post-discharge, GT (N= 26) resulted in 46% (n= 12) of individuals returning to competitive employment, while IET (N= 23) resulted in 78% (n= 18) of individuals returning to competitive employment. An asset-oriented early individualised educational approach appears to be a more effective for employment re-engagement.
- Published
- 2010
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