Predictors of return to work after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review of current literature and recommendations for future research

Purpose To identify factors associated with employment between six months and five years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Using a predefined search algorithm, four electronic databases were searched for literature published between 2014 and the first half of April 2021 containing predictors of employment outcome. Data were selected in accordance with the PRISMA flow and the whole process was conducted by two reviewers who had to attain a consensus. The study results were discussed with an expert panel, in order to provide guidance for future research on this topic. Results This review found clear evidence for employment status at time of injury, occupation at time of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale, length of stay, disability level and primary payer to be predictors of return to work after TBI. Conclusions More literature investigating in depth the functioning and environmental factors is required for further improvement of predictions, rehabilitation and policy.