OP7
SUPPORTING RETURN TO WORK POST INJURY: ACCEPTABILITY OF A VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION INTERVENTION FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC INJURY
D. Kendrick1, B. Kellezi2, C. Mann1, S. Timmons1, R. Lindley1, J. Holmes1, S. Fallon1, T. Jones1, I. Andrews1,
K. Radford1
1University of Nottingham, UK
2Nottingham Trent University, UK
Background:
A delayed return-to-work and/or lower productivity is common after serious injury. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) supports people to return to or remain in work, but evidence of effectiveness in trauma patients is lacking. We developed a remote (video/phone) VR intervention (ROWTATE) delivered by occupational therapists (OTs) and clinical psychologists (CPs) which is currently being tested in a large scale randomised controlled trial in the UK. We now present findings relating to acceptability of ROWTATE.
Aims:
To explore acceptability of a VR intervention for trauma patients.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews with trauma patients (n=5), OTs and CPs (n=10) providing ROWTATE. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a preliminary iterative review of early data was conducted using framework analysis.
Results:
Patients and OTs/CPs held positive attitudes towards ROWTATE. Patients reported little effort was required to engage in ROWTATE. Some OTs/CPs found ROWTATE was time consuming or required flexible use of time and most found completing study records was burdensome. ROWTATE fit well with patients’ and OTs/CPs values, both groups felt confident to engage in ROWTATE and had a good understanding of how it worked. Patients and OTs/CPs felt ROWTATE was effective, but engaging employers was difficult.
Implications for policy or practice:
The ROWTATE VR intervention is broadly acceptable to patients and therapists. The ROWTATE trial is generating useful data for implementing the intervention in “real-world” settings, in particular resources, flexibility and tailoring needed for intervention delivery. The role of employers is being further explored and strategies for improving employer engagement will be developed.
