Return to work in persons with persistent postconcussion symptoms: a survey study examining the perspectives of employees and managers

Objective: To examine challenges in return to work (RTW) for persons with persistent postconcussion
symptoms (PPCS) experienced by the affected employees and their managers.
Methods: A survey of employees (S-E) and two surveys of managers (S-M1, S-M2) executed 4 months
apart to capture the time perspective. Inclusion: Adults aged 18–66 with PPCS > 4 weeks, employed at the
time of mTBI who returned to work within the previous year. Managers involved in their RTW process.
Outcome measures: Work status, working hours, work functioning (Work Role Functioning
Questionnaire, WRFQ), work productivity.
Results: Ninety-two employees and 66 managers were recruited. Three-fourths of the employees had
returned to work but only one-third worked under similar conditions. Weekly working hours decreased
from 36,3 hours (SD = 10,5) before mTBI to 17,6 hours (SD = 9,7). Employees had difficulties with tasks
43% of time (WRFQ). They needed more breaks, struggled with multitasking and work speed. About
65.9% experienced affected work productivity. Managers reported lack of knowledge and difficulties
assessing the number of working hours and suitable tasks.
Conclusions: Most employees returned to work but only a minority worked under similar conditions as
before mTBI. Employees and managers struggled to estimate workload. The affected employees and their
workplaces need a long-term RTW support.