Can a couples’ intervention reduce unmet needs and caregiver burden after brain injury?
Publications
Model System:
TBI
Reference Type:
Journal article
Accession No.:
J82660
Journal:
Rehabilitation Psychology
Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):
, 65, 4, 409-417
Publication Website:
Abstract:
Study examined the effectiveness of the Therapeutic Couples Intervention (TCI) on caregiver needs and burden after brain injury. Seventy-five Individuals with brain injury and their intimate partners/caregivers participated in a 2-arm, parallel, randomized trial with a waitlist control. The TCI consisted of five 2-hour sessions, with a sixth optional session for parents. Outcome measures included the Family Needs Questionnaire-R (FNQ-R) and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, caregivers in the TCI group demonstrated reduction in unmet needs for 5 of the 6 FNQ-R subscales, whereas those in the waitlist control group did not. ZBI scores improved significantly for TCI caregivers but not for controls. At the 3-month follow-up, benefits were maintained for the ZBI and 4 of the 6 FNQ-R subscales (Health Information, Emotional Support, Professional Support, and Community Support Network). This study provided evidence that, following brain injury, a structured couples intervention can reduce unmet needs and burden in caregivers. Future multicenter research examining long-term durability of treatment gains and specific characteristics of positive responders is warranted.
Author(s):
Graham, Kristin M. |Kreutzer, Jeffrey S. |Jennifer H. Marwitz, Sima, Adam P. |Hsu, Nancy H.|