Intention to Return to Work after Stroke Following Rehabilitation in Ontario

Background. Returning to work is important for many people following stroke. An estimate of the prevalence of people intending to return to work post-stroke would be helpful in planning services supporting work reintegration. Purpose. This study examined the prevalence of intention to return to work after discharge among stroke rehabilitation inpatients. Methods. We performed secondary analysis of National Rehabilitation Reporting System data for all stroke rehabilitation inpatients across Ontario (2012–2017). Intention to return to work was examined by gender, age, and level of disability. Findings. Among 25,691 stroke rehabilitation inpatients, 4,668 (18.2%) were employed pre-stroke and 2,039 (43.7%) of them intended to return to work. Intention to return to work was somewhat higher among younger and middle-aged stroke survivors and those with mild disability. Implications. Providers and planners should be aware that almost half of previously employed stroke-rehabilitation inpatients may be seeking services to assist with return to work.