Getting back to work after a brain injury can involve more than physical recovery. New research involving UCRH’s Associate Professor Vanette McLennan highlights the often-overlooked communication challenges that can affect a person’s confidence, independence and ability to return to their job. The study adds to growing rural health research focused on improving long-term outcomes for people living with complex health conditions.
Published in the International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, the paper, Assessing Cognitive Communication Disorders for Return to Work Following Acquired Brain Injury: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Clinical Experiences and Perspectives, explored how speech pathologists assess communication skills when supporting people returning to work after an acquired brain injury.
The paper’s lead author is researcher-clinician Kate Cameron who is undertaking her PhD through Griffith University under the supervision of Associate Professor McLennan. Kate is also a research fellow at The Hopkins Centre: Research for Rehabilitation and Resilience.
An acquired brain injury can affect memory, attention, problem-solving and social communication. While these changes are not always visible, they can make workplace interactions and everyday tasks much harder.
The study found speech pathologists already play an important role in helping people prepare for a return to work, using a mix of formal and practical assessment approaches. However, participants identified a need for more training, clearer guidance and stronger involvement in multidisciplinary teams.
The findings reinforce the value of communication assessment as part of a person’s recovery journey and suggest there are opportunities to strengthen support for both clinicians and patients.
As a co-author on the publication, Associate Professor McLennan contributed to research that helps build a clearer understanding of how health professionals can support people returning to work after injury. The work also highlights the importance of collaboration across healthcare professions to ensure communication challenges are recognised and addressed.
