School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4222, Australia.
Spinal Life Australia, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia.
Aust Health Rev. 2022 Feb;46(1):85-90. doi: 10.1071/AH21069.
Objective The aim of this article is to describe the development of a novel evidence-based model of early intervention vocational rehabilitation (EIVR) for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods An extensive literature review and background study guided the collaboration of experienced practitioners and researchers in developing and evaluating the innovative Back2Work model of EIVR for people with SCI in Queensland, Australia. The program is undergoing longitudinal mixed-methods evaluation to the end of 2023. Results The model is central to the successful implementation of the EIVR program, delivered by rehabilitation counsellors in the Queensland Spinal Injuries Unit. Back2Work includes a strong focus on maintaining and nurturing the pre-injury occupational bond between injured workers and employers, and aims to create a positive expectation for return to work (RTW) and increase the rate and timeliness of RTW after SCI. Conclusions The Back2Work program has become an integrated component of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, with positive early results in RTW outcomes and additional benefits in participants' sense of well-being and hope. What is known about the topic? Vocational intervention after SCI has traditionally been delivered after hospital discharge and considered outside the scope of early intervention approaches. Emerging evidence suggests EIVR, commencing before hospital discharge, can encourage hope and a positive expectancy for employment after SCI, and is showing promising outcomes in supporting people's quality of life and vocational goals. What does this paper add? This article details the process and product of developing and evaluating a novel EIVR model for people with SCI. The model underpins the Back2Work EIVR program being trialled in the Queensland Spinal Injuries Unit, an example of this emerging field of practice within the primary rehabilitation setting. What are the implications for practitioners? The Back2Work program is based on an innovative and evidence-based model of EIVR for people with SCI. The collaborative and empirically driven process of developing, implementing and evaluating the model will be of interest to researchers and practitioners looking to advance practices in vocational rehabilitation after serious injury.
目的 本文旨在描述一种新的基于证据的脊髓损伤（SCI）早期干预职业康复（EIVR）模式的发展。
方法 通过广泛的文献回顾和背景研究，经验丰富的从业者和研究人员合作，在澳大利亚昆士兰州开发和评估了一种针对 SCI 患者的创新 Back2Work EIVR 模式。该项目正在进行到 2023 年底的纵向混合方法评估。
结果 该模式是昆士兰脊髓损伤科康复顾问成功实施 EIVR 计划的核心。Back2Work 非常注重维护和培养受伤工人和雇主之间受伤前的职业联系，并旨在创造对重返工作岗位（RTW）的积极期望，并增加 SCI 后的 RTW 率和及时性。
结论 Back2Work 计划已成为多学科康复团队的一个组成部分，在 RTW 结果方面取得了积极的早期结果，并为参与者的幸福感和希望感带来了额外的益处。
主题已知？ SCI 后的职业干预传统上是在出院后提供的，被认为不属于早期干预方法的范围。新出现的证据表明，在出院前开始的 EIVR 可以鼓励 SCI 后对就业的希望和积极期望，并在支持人们的生活质量和职业目标方面显示出有前途的结果。
这篇文章增加了什么？ 本文详细介绍了为 SCI 患者开发和评估一种新的 EIVR 模型的过程和结果。该模型为昆士兰脊髓损伤科正在试用的 Back2Work EIVR 计划提供了基础，这是初级康复环境中这一新兴实践领域的一个例子。
对从业者有什么影响？ Back2Work 计划基于针对 SCI 患者的 EIVR 的创新和基于证据的模型。开发、实施和评估该模型的协作和经验驱动过程将引起研究人员和从业者的兴趣，他们希望在严重损伤后的职业康复实践中取得进展。
