Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe
University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP),
Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh | International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research,
Bangladesh, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Note: [] Corresponding author: Mohammad Mosayed Ullah, Department of
Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria-3086, Australia.
Tel.: +61 422181990; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Returning to work after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex process due to
the nature of injury and its devastating effect on all aspects of patients. This case study
report is based on a spinal cord injury centre of Bangladesh. OBJECTIVE: The evaluation examined
vocational assessment process and vocational interest of persons with SCI
undergoing rehabilitation program in the center. METHODS: Occupational Therapists were interviewed to understand the existing vocational assessment
services. This study also used data from 183 vocational assessment forms to
find out the association of vocational interests and other demographic factors. RESULTS: The vocational assessment conducted to gathered information on
the physical capacity of the patient and physical environment of patients
living area only. The most preferred vocational interest was shop management
39%, and returning to previous job 38%. Vocational trades with the lowest
level of interest were computer (2%) and electronics (3%), and 10% of
patients at the time of assessment were undecided. A statistically significant
association between interest to return to previous job and gender, age,
occupation before injury and living area were found. CONCLUSION: Patients go through a complex process to adapt to a new life after experiencing SCI
which is significantly influenced by the rehabilitation professionals around
him/her. A comprehensive assessment including psychosocial information and
therapist's expertise on facilitations making vocational decision based on the
variables can optimize the rehabilitation outcome.
