Clinician experiences of implementing a new early vocational rehabilitation service within an existing rehabilitation setting: critical facilitators, barriers, and key learnings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of rehabilitation clinicians regarding the trial of a new early vocational rehabilitation service for people with traumatic injury within an existing rehabilitation service, and to identify the critical facilitators, barriers, and key learnings.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A descriptive qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven clinicians, and data analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified: Recognition that work is central in people's lives; Valuing dedicated vocational expertise and focus; Early vocational rehabilitation resources are best used for those likely to gain the most; Timing needs to be person-centred and flexible; Importance of continuity of engagement; and Experiences of embedding a new service.

CONCLUSIONS

Early vocational rehabilitation for people following traumatic injury during inpatient care was highly valued by the team due to the perceived expertise and dedicated time of the vocational therapists for addressing vocational needs. It is important to consider which inpatients will benefit most from the service, and ensure appropriate timing is based on individual patient needs. Adequate team education, and clear processes for communication are important for successful integration of the service.