An investigation into the employment and occupation of patients with a spinal cord injury

Abstract

This study has attempted to ascertain the employment status of a group of 114 expatients with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). The group was 1-7 years post injury. Out of the 114 subjects, 31% were in paid employment and 21% were either in full time education or training. There were 23% unemployed and seeking work and 25% unemployed and not seeking work. Occupations prior to the spinal cord injury were wide ranging throughout all employment categories, with the engineering and science category being most prevalent. Those in employment post injury showed a move towards the administration, clerical and finance categories, with science and engineering also providing some jobs. © 1994 International Medical Society of Paraplegia.