Factors influencing return-to-work for South African Platinum mine workers following upper limb amputation and vocational rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Upper limb amputation leads to permanent physical change, which results in various functional limitations and return-to-work challenges. To better facilitate return-to work following upper limb amputation, provision of vocational rehabilitation services, and a thorough evaluation of an individual’s circumstances is necessary. Providers of rehabilitation services are required to understand a broad set of factors that impact on the injured worker following upper limb amputation. This understanding fosters the use of an individualised approach during treatment. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the factors influencing return-to-work for South African platinum mine workers following upper limb amputation post-vocational rehabilitation. Methodology: A qualitative, descriptive design was employed in this study. Participants were South African mine workers in the platinum mining industry, who returned to work following upper limb amputation post-vocational rehabilitation. Purposive sampling was used. Participants were selected from the database of an occupational therapy private practice in the North West Province. Data was collected from six platinum mine workers through telephonic, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was implemented: Transcriptions were analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke’s six phases of thematic analysis. Deductive analysis was also conducted for further content analysis with guideline from the Occupational Competence Model to effectively answer the enquiry under study. Results: Four themes emerged from this study: ‘Initial and ongoing difficulties,’ ‘Colleagues’ attitude and workplace responses,’ ‘Things that helped during my return-to-work journey,’ and ‘Change and return-to-work.’ Conclusion: The factors influencing return-to-work for South African platinum mine workers following upper limb amputation and vocational rehabilitation were successfully explored and generated. The results of this study will serve to inform the development of interventions aiming to improve future vocational rehabilitation services and work reintegration after upper limb amputation. To ensure that the upper limb amputee remains in the workplace, future research should focus on factors that will ensure maintenance of work.