Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Beverly Johnson

Keywords

Brain Injuries -- rehabilitation; Employment

Abstract

Approximately two million traumatic brain injuries occur every year and of those 70,000 to 90,000 individuals develop disabilities which prevent a normal independent lifestyle. The typical individual afflicted is a 20 year old male with a normal life expectancy who is likely to face a lifetime of unemployment and dependency on public assistance if post-acute rehabilitation services are not provided. There is a lack of vocational programs and very limited funding available. This literature review will begin to fill the void of information regarding return to work programs by examining the return to work rate, specific return to work programs, functional assessments being utilized, and the quality of life and cost benefits. The purpose of this paper is to show that with proper rehabilitation many individuals with TBI can return to work and function as productive citizens of society.

Download
COinS