Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury
Background. Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face many challenges when attempting to return to work (RTW). Vocational evaluation (VE) is a systematic process that involves assessment and appraisal of an individual’s current work-related characteristics and abilities. Objective. The aims...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2015-01-01
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| Series: | Behavioural Neurology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/924027 |
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| author | Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga Tammy Jorgensen Smith Ardis Hanson Sarah Ehlke Mary Stergiou-Kita Charlotte G. Dixon Davina Quichocho |
| author_facet | Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga Tammy Jorgensen Smith Ardis Hanson Sarah Ehlke Mary Stergiou-Kita Charlotte G. Dixon Davina Quichocho |
| author_sort | Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background. Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face many challenges when attempting to return to work (RTW). Vocational evaluation (VE) is a systematic process that involves assessment and appraisal of an individual’s current work-related characteristics and abilities. Objective. The aims of this study are to (1) examine demographic and employment characteristics of vocational rehabilitation providers (VRPs), (2) identify the specific evaluation methods that are used in the VE of individuals with TBI, and (3) examine the differences in assessment method practices based upon evaluator assessment preferences. Methods. This exploratory case study used a forty-six-item online survey which was distributed to VRPs. Results. One hundred and nine VRPs accessed the survey. Of these, 74 completed the survey. A majority of respondents were female (79.7%), Caucasian (71.6%), and holding a master’s degree (74.3%), and more than half (56.8%) were employed as state vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). In addition, over two-thirds (67.6%) were certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Respondents reported using several specific tools and assessments during the VE process. Conclusions. Study findings reveal differences in use of and rationales for specific assessments amongst VRPs. Understanding VRP assessment practices and use of an evidence-based framework for VE following TBI may inform and improve VE practice. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6694a4bfcbda40409eda1e95d0e71379 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0953-4180 1875-8584 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2015-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Behavioural Neurology |
| spelling | doaj-art-6694a4bfcbda40409eda1e95d0e713792025-02-03T01:06:18ZengWileyBehavioural Neurology0953-41801875-85842015-01-01201510.1155/2015/924027924027Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain InjuryChristina Dillahunt-Aspillaga0Tammy Jorgensen Smith1Ardis Hanson2Sarah Ehlke3Mary Stergiou-Kita4Charlotte G. Dixon5Davina Quichocho6Department of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, MHC 1632, Tampa, FL 33612-3807, USADepartment of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, MHC 1632, Tampa, FL 33612-3807, USACollege of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, MHC 1139, Tampa, FL 33612-3807, USAAmerican Legacy Foundation, 1724 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, USADepartment of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, CanadaC.G. Dixon & Associates Inc., 42 S. Ingram Street, Alexandria, VA 22304, USADepartment of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, MHC 1632, Tampa, FL 33612-3807, USABackground. Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face many challenges when attempting to return to work (RTW). Vocational evaluation (VE) is a systematic process that involves assessment and appraisal of an individual’s current work-related characteristics and abilities. Objective. The aims of this study are to (1) examine demographic and employment characteristics of vocational rehabilitation providers (VRPs), (2) identify the specific evaluation methods that are used in the VE of individuals with TBI, and (3) examine the differences in assessment method practices based upon evaluator assessment preferences. Methods. This exploratory case study used a forty-six-item online survey which was distributed to VRPs. Results. One hundred and nine VRPs accessed the survey. Of these, 74 completed the survey. A majority of respondents were female (79.7%), Caucasian (71.6%), and holding a master’s degree (74.3%), and more than half (56.8%) were employed as state vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). In addition, over two-thirds (67.6%) were certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Respondents reported using several specific tools and assessments during the VE process. Conclusions. Study findings reveal differences in use of and rationales for specific assessments amongst VRPs. Understanding VRP assessment practices and use of an evidence-based framework for VE following TBI may inform and improve VE practice.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/924027 |
| spellingShingle | Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga Tammy Jorgensen Smith Ardis Hanson Sarah Ehlke Mary Stergiou-Kita Charlotte G. Dixon Davina Quichocho Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury Behavioural Neurology |
| title | Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury |
| title_full | Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury |
| title_fullStr | Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury |
| title_short | Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury |
| title_sort | exploring vocational evaluation practices following traumatic brain injury |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/924027 |
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