Affiliations: Department of Musculoskeletal and Rehabilitation
Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, UK | Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK | Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust and University of Leeds, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: G. Gilworth, Department of
Musculoskeletal and Rehabilitation Medicine, (Faculty of Medicine and Health),
University of Leeds, UK. Tel.: +44 0113 3434949/07734 009663; E-mail: gilworths@aol.com
Abstract: Objective: A quarter of stroke survivors are of working age;
information about the impact of stroke on those who are working is limited. We
investigated the expectations and experiences of stroke survivors in
relationship to return to work. Design and participants: This
qualitative tudy used semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 13 patients
working at onset of cerebrovascular disease. Interviews were conducted between
3 months and 8 years post stroke in order to gain an insight into both
individuals' initial expectations and their actual experiences in relation to
return to work. Results: Full thematic analysis of the interview
transcripts was undertaken, findings reported focus on the data relating to
work. Work related sub-themes included continuing symptoms affecting plans to
return to work, experiences of returning to work (including uncertainty over
timing of return and fears about coping at work), changing job or career and
the emotional impact of enforced retirement. Conclusion: Information
provision, return to work support systems and potential changes in life roles
are important aspects to consider when assessing the impact of stroke and
managing the consequences in people of working age.
Keywords: Return to work, employment, retirement, stroke, qualitative interviews
