Jornal Internacional de Neurorreabilitação

A Brief Review of Post-stroke Employment in Singapore

Abstract

Mervyn J.R. Lim, Benjamin T.Y. Wong, Pauline P.W. Koh, Rebecca Raszewski and Miho Asano

Post-stroke employment is of increasing importance in Singapore. We reviewed the prevalence, outlined the pathways and resources, and identified potential barriers and facilitators to post-stroke employment in Singapore. This study consisted of a systematic review of post-stroke employment research in Singapore and eight consultations with professionals involved in the care of stroke survivors. There were four published studies that investigated poststroke employment status in Singapore, with an average prevalence of 45.9%. We outlined three pathways (employer, independent search, and community resource), and identified barriers and facilitators (categorized as employer, healthcare system, and personal factors) to post-stroke employment. Important barriers and facilitators to post-stroke employment in Singapore included the patient’s motivation, financial incentives for or against returning to work, financial considerations of employers, and a patient’s actual disability. Overall, the Singaporean model of post-stroke employment appears to support stroke survivors through government-affiliated and Voluntary Welfare Organisations that handle job support, as well as financial support for employers and persons with disabilities. Existing programmes and the uptake of community-services should be further investigated to inform stakeholders and improve on current programmes.