Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J72861

Journal:


Brain Injury

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 29, 13-14, 1530-1538

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined whether a curriculum-based advocacy training program improves advocacy behavior when compared to a matched group engaged in self-directed advocacy activities. Adults with moderate-to-severe TBI and their family members were recruited in Minnesota (4 years), Iowa and Wisconsin (each 3 years) and randomized into a curriculum-based or self-directed advocacy training group. Both groups met on the same day, at separate locations in the same city, once per month for 4 consecutive months. Pre–post written and video testimony were rated using the Advocacy Behavior Rating Scale (ABRS). Mean ABRS scores increased after intervention in both groups, but there was no significant difference in this increase between groups. When groups were combined, a significant improvement in mean ABRS scores was observed. This community-based randomized practical behavioral trial showed that curriculum-based advocacy training was not superior to a self-directed approach in improving ABRS scores. However, when groups were combined and intervention type was not considered, a significant improvement in advocacy skills was observed for both verbal and written expression of an advocacy message. These findings suggest that bringing together like-minded motivated individuals is more important than program structure or content in changing advocacy behavior.

Author(s):


Brown, Allen W., Moessner, Anne M., Bergquist, Thomas F., Kendall, Kathryn S., Diehl, Nancy N., Mandrekar, Jay

Participating Centers: