Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the
Western Cape, Belville, South Africa | University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Mogammad Shaheed Soeker, Department
of Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17,
Belville, 7535, South Africa. Tel.: +21 959 9339; Fax: +21 959 1259; E-mail:
msoeker@uwc.ac.za
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the central
concepts of a model that would facilitate the return to work process of
individuals with brain injury. However for the purpose of this paper there will
be a focus only on the barriers and facilitators that influence the return to
work process. Participants: Ten individuals who were diagnosed with a mild to
moderate brain injury participated in this study. Methods: Qualitative research methods were used in order to explore
the research question. The participants were selected by means of purposive
sampling and the data was collected by means of in depth interviews. Results: The results of the study revealed that the participants
experienced a sense of loss of function after the brain injury, a fear of the
future and loss of confidence in their worker roles. The participants also
indicated that by means of adapting occupational routines and actively engaging
in rehabilitation they developed confidence in their worker roles. Conclusion: Occupational therapists have to use a client centred
holistic work integrative approach in order to successfully rehabilitate as
well as facilitate the return to work process with people who have suffered a
traumatic brain injury.
Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, human occupation, work, occupational science, occupational therapy, occupational deprivation, vocational rehabilitation and client-centred approach
