The Value of Integrated Care for People with Disorders of Consciousness

In this video, Joseph Giacino, PhD, explains why integrated care across the ICU and rehabilitation settings is essential for improving outcomes for people with disorders of consciousness. Dr. Giacino discusses how fragmented, siloed healthcare systems can fuel pessimism and nihilism about recovery—especially when providers only see patients in the acute phase and never witness long‑term improvement. He explains how Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems address this gap by creating strong communication between acute care and rehabilitation teams, allowing clinicians to understand recovery across days, months, and years. The video also highlights the importance of engaging patients and families as partners and expanding research support to counter outdated assumptions about severe brain injury and consciousness recovery.

The content of this video is based on research and/or professional consensus. This content has been reviewed and approved by experts from the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) centers, funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, as well as experts from the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs), with funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The content of the video has also been reviewed by individuals with TBI and/or their family members. 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should consult your health care provider about specific medical concerns or treatment. The contents of this video were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPKT0009). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this video do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

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