Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2015
Keywords
traumatic brain injury, vocational evaluation, assessment, employment, attitude of health personnel, work capacity evaluation, qualitative study
Abstract
IndividInd Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face many challenges when attempting to return to work (RTW). Vocational evaluation (VE) is a systematic process that involves assessment and appraisal of an individual’s current work-related characteristics and abilities.
The aims of this study are to (1) examine demographic and employment characteristics of vocational rehabilitation providers (VRPs), (2) identify the specific evaluation methods that are used in the VE of individuals with TBI, and (3) examine the differences in assessment method practices based upon evaluator assessment preferences.
This exploratory case study used a forty-six-item online survey which was distributed to VRPs. Results. One hundred and nine VRPs accessed the survey. Of these, 74 completed the survey. A majority of respondents were female (79.7%), Caucasian (71.6%), and holding a master’s degree (74.3%), and more than half (56.8%) were employed as state vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). In addition, over two-thirds (67.6%) were certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Respondents reported using several specific tools and assessments during the VE process.
Study findings reveal differences in use of and rationales for specific assessments amongst VRPs. Understanding VRP assessment practices and use of an evidence-based framework for VE following TBI may inform and improve VE practice.
Citation / Publisher Attribution
IndiIndividuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face many challenges when attempting to return to work (RTW). Vocational evaluation (VE) is a systematic process that involves assessment and appraisal of an individual's current work-related characteristics and abilities. Objective. The aims of this study are to (1) examine demographic and employment characteristics of vocational rehabilitation providers (VRPs), (2) identify the specific evaluation methods that are used in the VE of individuals with TBI, and (3) examine the differences in assessment method practices based upon evaluator assessment preferences. Methods. This exploratory case study used a forty-six-item online survey which was distributed to VRPs. Results. One hundred and nine VRPs accessed the survey. Of these, 74 completed the survey. A majority of respondents were female (79.7%), Caucasian (71.6%), and holding a master's degree (74.3%), and more than half (56.8%) were employed as state vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). In addition, over two-thirds (67.6%) were certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Respondents reported using several specific tools and assessments during the VE process. Conclusions. Study findings reveal differences in use of and rationales for specific assessments amongst VRPs. Understanding VRP assessment practices and use of an evidence-based framework for VE following TBI may inform and improve VE practice.Dillahunt-Aspillaga C, Jorgensen Smith T, Hanson A, Ehlke S, Stergiou-Kita M, Dixon CG, Quichocho D.Dillahunt-Aspillaga C, Jorgensen Smith T, Hanson A, Ehlke S, Stergiou-Kita M, Dixon CG, Quichocho D.
Scholar Commons Citation
Dillahunt-Aspillaga, C., Jorgensen, Smith, T., Hanson, A., Ehlke, S., Stergiou-Kita, M., Dixon, C. G., Quichocho, D. (2015). Exploring vocational evaluation practices following traumatic brain injury. Behavioural Neurology, 2015 (2015), Article ID 924027 [11 pp.]. doi:10.1155/2015/924027
