Work

 

Return to work after stroke: barriers and enablers

Lock, S. et al (2005) Work after stroke: focusing on barriers and enablers. Disability & Society, 20, 33-47.

• A study was undertaken in partnership with Different Strokes
• 5 focus group discussions with 37 stroke survivors (aged 20 to 65 years) and 12 of their supporters
• Factors representing barriers to or enablers of work were identified in four key themes:
  • Rehabilitation process
  • Employer agency
  • Social structural
  • Personal
• Stroke survivors saw their impairments as barriers to work
• However, impairments were generally seen as just one element within a complex constellation of factors that act and interact to influence work reintegration (Garcia et al., 2000)
• The stroke survivors identified areas they believe need addressing. They include:
  • Longer term rehabilitation which tackles the individual’s functional problems and facilitates planning for return to work
  • Rehabilitation staff designated to deal with vocational issues
  • Liaison between healthcare professionals and employers
  • Identification, negotiation and support of alternative working patterns