Affiliations: Occupational Performance Center, Program in
Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, 4444 Forest
Park Avenue, Box 8505, Saint Louis, MO, USA. Tel.: +1 409 739 2607; Fax: +1
314 286 2096; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Impairment in executive functioning can occur after mild stroke,
mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and neurodegenerative disease, and this can have
deleterious effects on employment outcomes, occupational functioning, and
general quality of life. What is not as well identified is the symbiotic
relationship between executive functioning and other important psychosocial
constructs inherent in successful employees ("Employee Performance
Enablers"), and how various aspects of the employment environment can enable
or inhibit the success of the employee with executive functioning deficits in
meeting their essential job functions ("Workplace Ecology"). From an
extensive review of the literature and the author's practice experience, a
clinical model was developed to elucidate these two critical variables, as well
as to provide guidance for organizing, planning, and implementing interventions
that will address both employee enablers and workplace ecology to affect
positive return to work outcomes for individuals with mild brain injury.
