One-year follow-up results of a community-based treatment programme for people with acquired brain injury in the chronic phase

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the long-term effects of Brainz, a community-based treatment programme for adults with acquired brain injury in the chronic phase of the injury.

Materials and methods: The treatment consisted of group modules and biweekly individual home training sessions. Of the 62 subjects who participated in the original effect study, 30 subjects were available for follow-up assessment. Selection bias analysis of baseline characteristics revealed no significant differences between the included and the excluded group. Baseline measurements were compared with follow-up measurements to assess effect consolidation after treatment cessation.

Results: The increased level of patient satisfaction with social participation found one year after baseline, was maintained at follow-up. The positive effects on the number of perceived difficulties in daily life and need of care that were found one year after baseline measurements were no longer present. However, an additional improvement in self-reported overall health was observed. The decreased level of self-esteem measured one year after baseline, was no longer present at follow-up.

Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests consolidation of the effects of this community-based treatment programme. Further enhancement of treatment effects could be established by the implementation of booster sessions or peer support groups. Future controlled studies are needed.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Acquired brain injury can lead to consequences in a variety of life domains that can persist after patients return to their homes.

• A low-intensity community-based rehabilitation programme called Brainz demonstrated to improve patient satisfaction with societal participation and reduce perceived difficulties in daily life and need of care.

• This study suggests the consolidation of these effects.

Keywords:

• Acquired brain injury
• rehabilitation programme
• community integration
• participation
• follow-up

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants, the participating clinicians and the research assistants who conducted the measurements and the Brainz research group.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by six participating healthcare institutions: Heliomare, InteraktContour, De Noorderbrug, Middin, Stichting Gehandicaptenzorg Limburg and Samenwerkende Woon- & Zorgvoorzieningen.