TITLE:
Vocational Rehabilitation after Acquired Brain Injury: A Swedish Study of Benefits and Costs
AUTHORS:
Kersti Samuelsson, Maria Tropp, Anna Lundqvist
KEYWORDS:
Clinical Evidence, Health Economics, Return to Work, Work Training
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation,
Vol.2 No.3,
August
26,
2014
ABSTRACT: Purpose: To examine the benefits from a vocational rehabilitation program for patients suffering from Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in terms of quality of life, and overall health. In addition, to examine the direct societal costs of healthcare interventions related to vocational rehabilitation and indirect societal costs related to production loss. Method: Identified interventions in 45 patients with ABI who were discharged from a vocational rehabilitation program between 2010 and 2011 were documented, classified and translated into costs. Expenses associated with production loss were calculated by comparing sick leave production loss at first contact with the team, with sick leave production loss at discharge. Health related QoL and overall health, was measured at first contact and at discharge by using the EQ5D. Results: For vocational rehabilitation interventions, mean costs were €6303/individual/month. At first contact with the team, mean production loss was estimated to be €4409/individual/month compared; at discharge to be €2446. QoL ratings increased from first contact to discharge, although estimated health did not change. At discharge, significant correlations were found between QoL ratings and estimated health and the extent of production loss (p