Stakeholder acceptability of the ROWTATE vocational rehabilitation intervention in England : an interview study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The ROWTATE intervention helps people experiencing trauma to return to work (RTW) through vocational rehabilitation (VR) support from occupational therapists (OTs) and clinical psychologists (CPs). This study aims to explore and understand the acceptability of VR after traumatic injury for patients, therapists and employers. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative interviews in eight major trauma regions, UK. PARTICIPANTS: Interviews were undertaken with a range of stakeholders-15 patients, 15 therapists and 6 employers. Data were analysed using the theoretical framework of acceptability. RESULTS: Stakeholders understood the aim of the intervention was to support people to RTW and perceived it as effective in achieving this. Patients and therapists understood the benefits of working with a combination of occupational therapy and clinical psychology. The intervention fits with the values of patients wanting to recover, therapists wanting to offer support and line managers wanting to meet employer and employee needs.Patients reported they could not have achieved RTW without the intervention, and their therapist helped them feel less alone. Therapists felt that their work was rewarding, effective and had good outcomes. Patients perceived remote delivery as less burdensome than attending in person. Therapists felt they wasted time on non-patient activity, such as (re-)arranging appointments.Employers discussed the difficulty of balancing employer and employee needs and managing uncertainty. Some workplace policies lacked flexibility, and without the ROWTATE intervention, employers lacked confidence in supporting employees RTW. CONCLUSIONS: A VR intervention delivered remotely by OTs and CPs is acceptable to patients, therapists and employers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN43115471.