ABSTRACT
To investigate across sex (i.e., biological attributes) and gender (i.e., roles and responsibilities), the support services and workplace accommodation needs for men and women with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the impact of COVID-19 on work and mental well-being. A cross-sectional study design with an online survey. Descriptive and regression analyses were completed for sex and gender differences. Open-ended responses were analyzed through a content analysis approach. Research Electronic Data Capture application of a research teaching hospital in Ontario, Canada. Adult persons with TBI were recruited nationally. Not applicable. Differences between men and women in domains of quality of life after brain injury-overall scale (QOLIBRI-OS), health support service needs, workplace accommodations, and change in employment status and mental health due to COVID-19. Thirty-two persons with TBI (62% women;38% men) completed the study. The most needed services by women and men were physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and counselling services. The most needed workplace accommodations for men and women were modified hours/days and modified/different duties. Women expressed needing help with housekeeping and caregiving to transition to work effectively. Women also scored poorer on the daily activity domain of the QOLIBRI-OS. Women were more likely to experience no change in employment status because of COVID-19, whereas men expressed concern over job security and finances. Mental well-being was a concern for both men and women. Results revealed noteworthy differences between men and women's needs post-TBI, including during the pandemic. Rehabilitation professionals can better support men and women with TBI through awareness of their specific workplace accommodation needs. No conflict to disclose.
ABSTRACT
To assesses the feasibility of delivering a telehealth vocational rehabilitation (VR) intervention to enhance return to work and improve quality of life and wellbeing in people post-trauma. Non-randomised single-arm mixed-methods feasibility study. Participants were recruited from two UK major trauma centres (MTCs). The intervention was delivered virtually (or face-to-face where necessary) in participants' homes. Adult patients (n=10) 16-69 years, admitted to participating UK MTCs with Injury Severity Score (ISS) >8, recruited ≤12 weeks post-injury. Eligible participants were employed (paid or unpaid) or in full-time education at injury onset. Treating occupational therapists (OTs) and clinical psychologists (CPs) (n=6) trained in ROWTATE VR. ROWTATE is an individually-tailored job retention intervention, delivered by OTs, who act as case-coordinators, and CPs. It commences 12-weeks post-injury and is delivered for up to 12 months. It involves: assessing impact of injury;work-focused rehabilitation;planning/monitoring phased return-to-work;liaising with employers/healthcare team;educating patients/employers about injury impact;early identification, monitoring and support for psychological problems. Due to COVID-19, the intervention was adapted for remote delivery (video/phone call) and OTs/CPs trained in remote delivery. Study completion. Intervention fidelity, barriers and enablers to delivery, acceptability and usefulness;acceptability of remote intervention training. At 6 months: 90% started intervention ≤12 weeks post-injury, 103 OT sessions (M=10.3, range 5-19);99% OT sessions delivered remotely, 6 patients referred to CP;22 sessions (M=3.7, range 1-5), 100% remote. Fidelity: OT: 90%-100% across patients, CP: 82%-100% across patients. No participant withdrawals. Treating therapists and all participants found the intervention acceptable. Remote VR training and delivery is feasible and acceptable to OTs/CPs and trauma survivors. Findings have informed a definitive randomised controlled trial. No conflicting interests.
ABSTRACT
The article presents a survey revealed the increase in the number of mothers in employment, along with mentions that how Covid-19 pandemic has led to more flexible working hours, with the additional opportunity to work from home.
ABSTRACT
Prior to Aotearoa New Zealand's first COVID-19 related death there was an urgent regional need for frontline prepared registered nurses with highly specialised skills. In these exceptional circumstances nursing academics can provide a workforce reservoir to meet this exigent need. In the early stages of pandemic response planning, a district health board sought support from a local provider of nurse education, asking for nurse academics who were willing to return to practice. Learnings highlighted the value of academic staff having clinical currency allowing them to meet moral and professional responsibilities. Furthermore, it is evident that a collaborative relationship between education and healthcare providers can allow access to frontline prepared, highly skilled registered nurses to be called upon in a time of need.