[Evaluation of reintegration into employment in people with stroke outcomes: a scoping review]

After a stroke, many people experience sensorimotor impairments that disrupt the cognitive and motor performance. Brain damage such as stroke can result in some disorders that may have significant implications in performance of normal daily activities. The mean age of stroke onset has decreased, with an increment of the incidence of stroke in patients under 55 years old. Furthermore, stroke is one of the main causes of long-term disability in the world that involves difficulties in reintegrating into social and working life. This scoping review aimed to determine the elements that facilitate the return to work (RTW) in patients with stroke. A literature search was conducted using the keywords "return to work" and "stroke" on electronic database (MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar). After excluding articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria 9 articles were reviewed. Young age, high levels of education, male sex, stroke severity, office or self-managed jobs, were identified as predictors for RTW. Fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of memory and concentration, sense of insecurity, have been found as factors that hinder the RTW. Findings suggest the importance of demographic and social factors and employment status as potential elements for successful RTW. Furthermore, an early and tailored neurorehabilitation path that integrates new technologies and workplace interventions can be fundamental to acquire greater autonomy, favoring a successful RTW.