Rehabilitation needs at 5 years post-traumatic brain injury: A VA TBI model systems study

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J87178

Journal:

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2021 , 36, 3, 175-185

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study identified rehabilitation needs and factors associated with unmet needs at 5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) among 283 participants enrolled in Veterans Affairs (VA) TBI Model Systems polytrauma rehabilitation centers. Participants completed the Rehabilitation Needs Survey (21-item survey measuring cognitive, emotional, social, and functional needs) and the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (25-item survey of potential environmental barriers) at the 5-year follow-up assessment. Participants endorsed a mean of 8 ongoing and 3 unmet rehabilitation needs at 5 years post TBI. Approximately 65 percent of participants reported at least 1 rehabilitation need that remained unmet. The number and nature of needs differed across TBI severity groups. In unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models, Black race and environmental barriers were predictive of unmet needs. Those with greater unmet needs reported the physical environment, informational sources, social attitudes, healthcare access, public policy, transportation availability, and in-home assistance as the most frequent environmental barriers at 5 years post TBI. Findings suggest that veterans and service members continue to have rehabilitation needs at 5 years post TBI.

Author(s):