Road trauma, PTSD and occupational functioning: Implications for policy development, intervention and rehabilitation

Objective: With survivors of road trauma at risk of experiencing posttrauma tic stress disorder (PTSD) and more routinely seeking psychosocial and voca tional rehabilitation services, published research findings on the impact o f PTSD on occupational functioning following road trauma are of increasing interest. This report investigates the literature in this area to highlight findings that may guide the development of public policy and interventions to improve occupational functioning post-accident Method: A comprehensive search of the psychiatric and psychological literat ure in the subject area was undertaken for the period 1980-1998. Results: In the absence of a conceptual framework empirical findings have f ocused on one aspect of occupational functioning, individual ability, at th e expense of other contributing factors from both the individual and work e nvironment. Conclusions: Very little research has been focused on developing a model th at would explain the impact of PTSD on occupational functioning following r oad trauma. Implications: The absence of an empirically supported theoretical framework hinders the development of appropriate preventative interventions and tail ored vocational rehabilitation for individuals with PTSD.