People with catastrophic injuries face many long-term challenges in the community as a result of their injury: one of the most problematic can be in returning to work (RTW). It may not only be a significant issue for the person with a catastrophic injury but also for their family, friends, the employment industry, and society. Worldwide mean RTW rates for people with catastrophic injury are approximately 30-40%; however, in Australia the overall mean rate is unknown. 

Four types of interventions have been identified to facilitate RTW:

• program based rehabilitation
• supported employment
• case co-ordination and
• hybrid or mixed.

An evidence review identified 15 relevant articles and it was found that there was limited high quality evidence to support any type of intervention more effective than the other. 

This NTRI Forum aims to enhance understanding of the features of optimal return to work practices following traumatic brain and spinal cord injury and identify barriers and facilitators to their implementation.

Two questions were identified for deliberation in a Stakeholder Dialogue:

1. In the Australian context, what are the barriers to, and facilitators of, application of strategies to optimise RTW outcomes for people with catastrophic injury?
2. How could identified barriers and facilitators be addressed to ensure successful RTW and better retention of people with catastrophic injury?