Clinical Trial: Factors Affecting Return to Work Among OEF/OIF Veterans With Polytrauma

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Factors Affecting Return to Work Among OEF/OIF Veterans With Polytrauma

Brief Summary: The goal of this study is to examine things that make it easy or hard for OEF/OIF veterans with polytrauma to live independently or do things "on their own" at home and in the community.

Detailed Summary: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) identifies employment as a priority issue for OEF/OIF veterans. However, OEF/OIF veterans with polytrauma represent a new and unique VA sub-population. Polytraumatic injuries are more complex than injuries sustained in any previous conflict. Returning to work, therefore, may prove especially challenging. Among individuals with severe disabilities, employment outcomes are closely tied to the individual's level of success with Independent Living (IL). IL refers to the ability to reside in the community and participate in activities of choice by managing available resources, negotiating barriers and exercising self-determination. IL often is viewed as a prerequisite to employment for severely disabled individuals, because barriers and facilitators to independence at home and in the community also influence success in the workplace. Thus, IL will be a critical first step to pursuing vocational/employment goals for OEF/OIF veterans with polytrauma. To date, no published studies have investigated IL among veterans with polytrauma. This pilot study will be the first project in a line of research to promote the independence and employability OEF/OIF veterans. The goals of the study are twofold. Goal 1 of the study is to investigate the barriers and facilitators to IL identified by community dwelling OEF/OIF veterans with polytrauma, caregivers, and IL service providers, and perceptions of how these factors may affect veterans' return to work. This goal will be accomplished by using qualitative methods for data collection and analyses. Qualitative interviewing will be used to elicit the perspectives of veterans with polytrauma and caregivers living in Florida, and Florida-based Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment IL service providers. Qualitative data will be coded, and then analyzed using the constant comparative method. Goal #2 of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of using the data collection tools and procedures for a fu
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Current Primary Outcome: Single, in-depth qualitative interviews [ Time Frame: Single administration ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Demographic Checklist [ Time Frame: Single administration ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: VA Office of Research and Development

Dates:
Date Received: March 27, 2009
Date Started: October 2010
Date Completion:
Last Updated: March 13, 2015
Last Verified: March 2015