Exploring employment following traumatic brain injury in persons who completed an insurer funded vocational rehabilitation program in Australia.

Findings support the need for early VR to facilitate employer contact, to maximise adjustment and preparation time before RTW, to educate both employees and employers and to implement work modifications to support continuing employment after TBI.Implications for rehabilitationThe maintenance of employment following TBI is of critical importance for financial independence, psychological and social well-being, and improved quality of life.Injury-related difficulties still impact work performance many years after injury requiring individuals with TBI to continue working in modified roles and for reduced hours over the long-term.Ongoing VR and employer support is needed to facilitate long-term work modifications and compensatory strategies to support work performance.Early VR involvement to facilitate employer contact and maximise adjustment and preparation time before returning to work is necessary to avoid the negative and potentially dire consequences of returning too early.Psychological support to facilitate acceptance of role changes and career compromises is also important.