Community rehabilitation after severe TBI. (Horizons).

Rehabilitation following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is clearly important, but the best types of programs and their timing remain unanswered questions for healthcare professionals. A recent study conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom adds to the literature in this area.

A randomized controlled trial compared outreach treatment (two sessions per week for 2 years) in a community setting with provision of written information about resources. Participants, ranging in age from 16 to 65 years old, had sustained a TBI between 3 months and 20 years prior to the intervention. The 48 participants in the multidisciplinary, outreach team-treated group showed gains in function, self-organization, and psychological well-being compared with the information-only group. Trends toward increased self-care, mobility, personal care, and cognitive function also were seen in the outreach group.

The authors believe this is the first randomized controlled trial of community rehabilitation following severe TBI. The results appeared to be independent of time since injury, which lends credence to the idea that even years after TBI, appropriate intervention can yield functional gains.

Reference

Powell, J., Heslin, J., & Greenwood, R. (2002.) Community rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 72, 193-202.