Traumatic injury has substantial effects on survivors' overall functioning, including at work. In low-income settings, trauma care and rehabilitation services are weak, which can complicate the recovery and return-to-work process of injury survivors. This study aimed to construct a substantive theory on the return to work (RTW) experiences of injury survivors, people who sustained traumatic physical injuries in Ethiopia. A qualitative constructivist grounded theory (CGT) study was conducted, using data collected through in-depth interviews with fourteen adult injury survivors. We followed Charmaz's CGT approach for data coding and analysis. We constructed the core theme, "Synergistic Connectedness," characterized by three subthemes: spiritual-, social-, and self- connection, which catalyzed survivors' lives after injury. Participants' experiences were captured in three progressive, iterative and nonlinear recovery phases: 1) initial response - dealing with the reality; 2) disruptive recovery - negotiating uncertainty and meaning-making; and 3) RTW pathways - navigating capability to adapt, fit, accept or follow a new direction. Each survivor faced unique challenges and had resources to draw on for support, ultimately leading to a resilient recovery process. Spiritual connection is the unique strength of participants that influences their connectedness to self and others. The findings underscore the importance of holistic support in enhancing RTW outcomes after injury.

Psychological distress commonly persists following motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), particularly for individuals navigating compensation systems. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary psychosocial benefits of LeapForward an adjunctive digital intervention incorporating AI-led coaching and lifestyle medicine to support standard rehabilitation care. A mixed-methods pre-post design. Compensation claimants with Soft-Tissue Injuries (STI) or Orthopaedic injuries post MVA were referred by an insurer. Participants completed baseline and post-program assessments of psychological distress, wellbeing, and self-efficacy. Return-to-work status and engagement metrics were collected. Participants were stratified into early (≤12 weeks) and late-stage (≥13 weeks) post-injury groups. Follow-up interviews explored program impact. Quantitative data were analysed using intention-to-treat; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Fifty-three adults enrolled; 79% completed post-intervention measures. Significant improvements were found in psychological distress (d = 0.88), wellbeing (d = 1.13), and self-efficacy (d = 0.26). Workplace outcomes were positive but not statistically significant. No differences emerged between early and late-stage groups. Qualitative findings highlighted user motivation, improved daily structure, and emotional coping as key benefits. Users valued the app's accessibility and supportive features. LeapForward is a feasible, acceptable adjunct to rehabilitation care with potential to enhance psychosocial recovery after MVA.

To examine whether childhood developmental coordination disorder (DCD) predicted self-reported motor difficulties in adulthood, and whether these differ by sex. In this longitudinal follow-up study, 105 adults from a Swedish population-based cohort of infants treated at one neonatal intensive care unit (1986-1989) and assessed for DCD at 6.5 years completed an online survey in 2020, including the Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder Checklist. Childhood DCD significantly predicted self-reported motor difficulties in adulthood, both before (p = .007) and after adjustment (p = .033, R2 = 0.236). Adults with childhood DCD reported more motor difficulties than those without (p = .015), particularly in gross motor function (p = .004). Women with childhood DCD reported greater gross motor (p = .013) and participation difficulties (p = .037), whereas men reported more non-motor difficulties (p = .012) compared with same-sex peers. Childhood DCD appears to have lasting, though often less pronounced, effects into adulthood. These findings highlight the importance of early identification, intervention, and continued awareness that difficulties may persist, and suggest considering sex-related patterns when supporting participation across the lifespan.

Few evidence-based treatment options are available for people living with acquired brain injury (ABI) experiencing social cognitive processing difficulties. The SIFT IT group treatment program is a novel intervention developed to comprehensively target social cognitive skills in this population. This paper explored the experiences of participants who completed the SIFT IT program within a broader feasibility randomised controlled trial. Fifteen people with ABI were recruited and participated in the SIFT IT program. The SIFT IT program consisted of 14 weekly 90-minute small group sessions facilitated by a clinical psychologist with five modules targeting social cognition processes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants post-treatment. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The five main themes identified in the analysis were: (1) social cognitive processing changes; (2) impacts of change; (3) valuable program components; (4) biopsychosocial influences; and (5) moving forward. Targeting social cognitive skills in a group treatment format for people living with ABI was largely seen as acceptable and of benefit to these individuals. This reinforces the clinical need for rehabilitation providers to identify, and treat, those with social cognitive difficulties.

The aim of this study was to identify the post-discharge experiences of frail patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. The study was conducted as an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design in September and December 2024. Data were collected using the Patient Demographic Information Form, Edmonton Frail Scale, and Semi-Structured Interview Form. Graneheim and Lundman's qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyze data. Fifteen patients were identified as frail through the evaluation conducted with Edmonton Frailty Scale, and semi-structured interviews were subsequently carried out with each of them. The majority of patients were women with median age of 75years. Most patients were moderately frail. Six themes have emerged from the content analysis: (1) emotional turmoil, (2) difficulty in adapting to treatment and care recommendations, (3) adjusting to the new normal, (4) changes in activities of daily living, (5) living with pain, and (6) inability to perform religious practices. Recovery after hip-fracture surgery is multidimensional challenge for frail patients, shaped by emotional distress, pain, dependence in daily activities, and reduced social and spiritual participation. These findings highlight the need for holistic care that supports not only physical recovery but also emotional well-being and religious needs.

Brachial plexus injuries (BPI) significantly impact Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) through limb malfunctioning, neuropathic and glenohumeral traction pain. Amputation emerges as a final intervention to alleviate traction pain, or eliminate a flail limb. This scoping review reveals insights on functioning, HRQoL and satisfaction of individuals with BPI and amputation, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). A literature search was conducted using the Cochrane database, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science for articles that reported HRQoL and/or functioning in adults with BPI who underwent amputation. Outcomes reflected ICF-domains body function and structure, activities and participation. Twenty articles, mostly case reports and retrospective studies, reported on less pain, no hindrance of a flail limb anymore, less anxiety and depression, more energy and less fatigue post-amputation (ICF body functions/structures), with less limitations in daily activities and more social interaction (ICF activities/participation). Individuals reported being satisfied with their decision to amputate. Downsides were scarcely reported. Current literature supports that amputation may improve HRQoL and functioning in individuals with BPI, more research is needed however.

Purpose To describe different methods of asking about or determining disability status in survey methodology, including the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Method and Materials We drew upon the literature on survey research studies including items regarding disability status, as well as our own experiences as rehabilitation survey researchers, and summarized common strategies of asking about disability, including their strengths and weaknesses. Results The following strategies for asking about disability are discussed in detail: self-identification of disability status; querying functional limitations; querying diagnoses received; and querying symptoms to determine possible diagnoses. Strengths, limitations, and examples of each approach are provided. The strengths and limitations of combining multiple approaches in a single survey are also discussed. Conclusions Different strategies for querying or determining disability status in survey research may yield different results and capture different populations. Researchers should carefully consider how they ask about disability when designing survey items.

Purpose We explore the systemic barriers to community living that disabled people of color experience, which contribute to institutional placements and difficulties transitioning back to the community. Materials and Methods We collected and analyzed 26 interviews with disabled people of color who have lived in nursing homes. We used a participatory action research approach and thematic analysis informed by grounded theory methodology. Results Participants report that 1) unmet acute and chronic health and disability support needs in the community, 2) lacking financial ability to maintain community living individually and interpersonally, 3) significant administrative burden and complex organizational processes, 4) inadequate case management/social work support for community living, 5) insufficient informational support and peer guides to complete transition, and 6) discrimination based on race and disability status (racism/ableism) contributed to nursing home admittance and lengthy/repeated nursing home stays. Participants often faced multiple barriers to community living simultaneously or in succession. Conclusion Addressing the barriers discussed will take financial and practical effort and investment across the nursing care system. Expanding support structures through Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services, Money Follows the Person, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and related social programs could facilitate successful nursing home transitions.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore how caregivers of persons living with stroke (PLWS) navigate their social relationships and engage in exchanges of social support during caregiving. Materials and methods Ethnographic methods consisting of semi-structured interviews, a diary, and a network mapping activity were used. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Eight caregivers of PLWS participated in the study. Results Two main themes were generated. Social network members supported each other through information sharing. Caregivers supported others by sharing information about the PLWS and by acting as liaison between medical staff and family members. Some participants had to navigate conflict and strain within certain relationships during information sharing. Social network members were valuable sources of informational support for participants, which helped compensate for a lack of health care system support. The provision of social support helped lessen the load of caregiving by providing caregivers with space to focus on the PLWS, emotional support, and companionship and time away from caregiving responsibilities. Conclusion The study identified beneficial forms of support for caregivers of PLWS. The findings have implications for caregiver education and support programs.

Purpose Allied health professionals are increasingly using videogames as an intervention modality for certain populations, such as autistic youth. Use of these games may enhance client motivation, while simultaneously providing a more strengths-based and naturalistic environment for skill development. On the other hand, professionals may be concerned about the use of screen-based technologies over real-world experiences. Despite the growing use of video games in support, little research has explored professional perspectives. These insights are crucial for understanding the benefits, challenges, and implementation of games in the support process. Method We conducted a qualitative exploration of professional perspectives on the use of videogames in services for autistic youth. Nineteen professionals from a service provider using videogames as part of their service provision participated in focus groups, with data analyzed thematically. Results Four themes describing professionals’ experiences and perspectives were identified. Overall professionals expressed excitement about the potential of videogames in service provision for autistic youth. However, they also raised several limitations to their use and discussed their responsibilities as clinicians. Conclusion We provide insights that can guide the use and implementation of videogames as part of service provision for autistic youth.