Efficacy of rehabilitation for functional skills more than 10 years after extremely severe brain injury

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether gains in personal independence can be achieved in individuals 10 or more years after very severe acquired brain injury.

Method: Four individuals in a continuing (slow stream) rehabilitation centre were assessed by an occupational therapist (OT) and programmes were designed to help the individual enhance personal independence. Support staff were trained to implement these programmes under the guidance of the OT. Methods described by Giles, Ridley, Dill, and Frye (1997) were used. Pre- and post-training measures were taken as well as follow up measures to assess the durability of such changes.

Results: The results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve clinically significant improvements in personal independence many years after very severe acquired brain injury.

Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that personally and clinically significant goals can be achieved 10 or more years after brain injury and there should be continuing effort to improve the circumstances of individuals with acquired brain injury. Such gains can be achieved through consistent application of such programmes by support workers working under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

The authors wish to thank Sue Thompson, Manager of Redford Court Brain Injury Centre for her innovative management style that facilitated this study. We also wish to thank Dominic Basson and Vicky Hurst for their help in collecting data.