The return-to-work experience for people and whānau with mild to moderate stroke

Each year, more than 8,000 New Zealanders experience the life-altering impact of stroke. Stroke survivors face a complex transition as they strive to return to work (RTW). People who experience mild to moderate stroke are often discharged quickly following their initial stroke with little physical impairment. The extent of cognitive or emotional impairments are often not realised until challenges such as RTW occur. Our study aims to firstly, explore the models, processes and outcomes used in vocational rehabilitation to support RTW in people with mild to moderate stroke using a systematic scoping review. Then we will conduct a longitudinal prospective study to explore the RTW experiences of people with mild to moderate stroke and whānau over 12 months admitted to Te Whatu Ora-Counties Manukau Hospital in Auckland.