Intention to Return to Work after Stroke Following Rehabilitation in Ontario

Can J Occup Ther. 2020 Jun;87(3):221-226. doi: 10.1177/0008417420905706. Epub 2020 Feb 13.

Abstract

Background.: Returning to work is important for many people following stroke. An estimate of the prevalence of people intending to return to work post-stroke would be helpful in planning services supporting work reintegration.

Purpose.: This study examined the prevalence of intention to return to work after discharge among stroke rehabilitation inpatients.

Methods.: We performed secondary analysis of National Rehabilitation Reporting System data for all stroke rehabilitation inpatients across Ontario (2012-2017). Intention to return to work was examined by gender, age, and level of disability.

Findings.: Among 25,691 stroke rehabilitation inpatients, 4,668 (18.2%) were employed pre-stroke and 2,039 (43.7%) of them intended to return to work. Intention to return to work was somewhat higher among younger and middle-aged stroke survivors and those with mild disability.

Implications.: Providers and planners should be aware that almost half of previously employed stroke-rehabilitation inpatients may be seeking services to assist with return to work.

Keywords: Emploi; Employment; Ergothérapie; Neurologie; Neurology; Occupational therapy; Professionnelle; Rehabilitation; Réadaptation; Vocational.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Therapy / organization & administration*
  • Ontario
  • Return to Work / psychology*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Stroke Rehabilitation / methods*
  • Survivors / psychology*