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Stability of vocational outcome in adulthood after moderate to severe preschool brain injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2004

TAINA NYBO ,
MARKKU SAINIO  and
KITI MÜLLER
TAINA NYBO
Affiliation:
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
MARKKU SAINIO
Affiliation:
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
KITI MÜLLER
Affiliation:
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract

We studied how moderate to severe childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects vocational outcome with time. This is the second follow-up of patients who were injured as preschoolers in traffic accidents. In the first follow-up the mean age was 23 years and in the present study the average age of the 27-patient cohort was 40 years. Twenty-two patients were assessed clinically by a neuropsychologist, neurologist and a social worker. Five patients, although not able or willing to participate in the clinical study, were contacted by telephone and interviewed on their vocational outcome. Compared to the first follow-up, 20/27 patients in total had no change in their vocational status. Nine out of the 27 patients were working full-time, two had subsidized jobs and 16 were not working. Twenty-four of 27 patients were independent in daily living. In the neuropsychological tests of executive functions, preserved flexibility associated with full-time work status. In conclusion, 1/3 of the patients were still employed full-time over 30 years after the TBI. This suggests that favorable vocational outcome, reached by young adulthood, is maintained at least until middle age. (JINS, 2004, 10, 719–723.)

Keywords

Childhood brain injuryMid-life vocational outcomeStability of vocational status
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 10 , Issue 5 , September 2004 , pp. 719 - 723
Copyright
2004 The International Neuropsychological Society

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