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.