RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To analyse usefulness of the SPASE programme, a coordinated facility programme to assist traumatic brain injury (TBI) persons in returning to work and retaining their job in the ordinary work environment. DESIGN: A retrospective study including 100 subjects aged over 18 who had suffered traumatic brain injury (GOS 1 or 2). The criterion for return to work (RTW) success was the ability to return to the job he/she had before the accident or to a new professional activity. RESULTS: Factors associated with RTW success were at short-term (2-3 years): the presence of significant workplace support OR=15.1 [3.7-61.7], the presence of physical disabilities OR=0.32 [0.12-0.87] or serious traumatic brain injury OR=0.22 [0.07-0.66]. At medium-term (over 3 years) these factors were: significant workplace support OR=3.9 [1.3-11.3] and presence of mental illness OR=0.15 [0.03-0.7]. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a case coordination vocational programme may facilitate the return and maintain to work of TBI persons. It reveals that the workplace support is a key factor for job retention in the medium-term.