Review of Critical Factors Related to Employment After Spinal Cord Injury: Implications for Research and Vocational Services

Background/Objective: Employment rates after spinal cord injury (SCI) vary widely because of discrepancies in studies' definition of employment and time of measurement. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive summary of the literature on employment rates, predictors of employment, and the benefits and barriers involved. Methods: A search using the terms spinal cord injury and employment in the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE. The search included a review of published manuscripts from 1978 through 2008. Results: A total of 579 articles were found and reviewed to determine the presence of reported employment rates. Of these, 60 articles were found to include a report of employment rates for individuals with SCI. Results indicated that, in studies that examined paid employment, the average rate of any employment after SCI was approximately 35%. Conclusions: Characteristics associated with employment after SCI include demographic variables, injury-related factors, employment history, psychosocial issues, and disability benefit status. It is recommended that researchers studying employment after SCI use common outcome measures such as competitive employment rates, duration of employment, and job tenure. Empirical evidence is lacking in regard to the most effective methods of vocational rehabilitation among this population. Evidence-based supported employment practices seem to be the most applicable model for assisting persons with SCI in restoring meaningful employment. Controlled studies are needed to test this assumption.