What do employers need when supporting stroke survivors to return to work?: a mixed-methods study

Craven, Kristelle; Kettlewell, Jade; De Dios Pérez, Blanca; Powers, Katie; Holmes, Jain; Radford, Kathryn A

Abstract

Background: Employers are key in supporting stroke survivors to return to work (RTW) but do not always have knowledge/skills or guidance to do so. Objectives: To explore employers’ needs for provision of post-stroke RTW support. Methods: Mixed-methods study. Participants recruited through voluntary response/purposive sampling. Survey of employers investigated stroke knowledge (maximum score: 7), RTW process knowledge (maximum score: 8), and perceived competency for actions supporting RTW (maximum score: 100%). Regression analyses explored relationships between employers’ demographic/contextual characteristics and knowledge and perceived competency scores. Interviews with employers explored factors influencing their post-stroke RTW support. Interview data were analyzed using a framework analysis. Survey/interview findings were synthesized with those from a qualitative systematic review. Results: Across the survey (n = 50), interviews (n = 7), and review (25 studies), employers’ support was influenced by stroke survivors’ decisions to disclose stroke-related limitations, employers’ knowledge regarding roles/responsibilities, employers’ communication skills, and information provided by healthcare. Regression analyses: Human resources/occupational health support was positively associated with stroke knowledge (β = 2.30, 95% CI 0.36–4.41, p = 0.013) and RTW process knowledge (β = 5.12, 95% CI 1.80–6.87, p = 0.001). Post-stroke RTW experience was positively associated with stroke knowledge (β = 1.36, 95% CI 0.46–2.26, p = 0.004) and perceived competency (β = 31.13, 95% CI 18.40–44.76, p = 0.001). Organization size (i.e. working in a larger organization) was positively associated with RTW process knowledge (β = 2.96, 95% CI 1.52–4.36, p = <.001). Conclusions: Employers’ RTW support was influenced by personal and environmental factors; they may benefit from education and guidance on stroke and their roles/responsibilities during the RTW process.

Citation

Craven, K., Kettlewell, J., De Dios Pérez, B., Powers, K., Holmes, J., & Radford, K. A. (2024). What do employers need when supporting stroke survivors to return to work?: a mixed-methods study. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2024.2409005

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 21, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Oct 4, 2024
• Publication Date: Oct 4, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 7, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 7, 2024
• Journal: Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 1074-9357
• Electronic ISSN: 1945-5119
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-13
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2024.2409005
• Keywords: Mixed methods, return-to-work, vocational rehabilitation, stroke, employment
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/40290038
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10749357.2024.2409005#abstract
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=ytsr20; Received: 2024-06-03; Accepted: 2024-09-21; Published: 2024-10-04