Prospective randomized controlled trial of resource facilitation on community participation and vocational outcome following brain injury

Authors: Tsang H. W, Fung K. M., Leung A. Y., Li S. M., & Cheung W. M.
Year Published 2010
Publication Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
Volume 25
Number 6
Pages 440-446
Publisher Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins Inc.
Background

Brain injury has a negative impact on return to work. Past research indicates improved employment outcomes with an integrated medical/vocational case coordination system.

Purpose

The researchers hypothesized that individuals with brain injury who receive resource facilitation (RF) will have greater success with return to work and participation in community and home activities.

Setting

The setting was a large acute rehabilitation hospital, located in the Midwest.

Sample

The sample size included 23 individuals with brain-injury and their caregivers. To be included in the study those with brain injury had to meet the following criteria: injury in the last 12 months or less, 18 to 60 years of age, ability to speak English, had been employed and/or had been enrolled in school for 2 years prior to the injury, had a goal to return-to-work or school and had a caregiver who was willing to participate in the study.

Data Collection

Participants were given O-Log and the C-Log, as part of their clinical examination in the acute rehabilitation center prior to enrollment to determine the initial severity of cognitive impairment. Ratings on the Participation Index of the Mayo- Portland Adaptability Inventory (M2PI) were obtained for 11 RF participants and 11 controls before the intervention and at 6-month follow-up.

Control

Participants were assigned to either a resource facilitation group N=12 or regular follow up control conditions N=11.

Findings

Resource facilitation can improve work outcomes. Those who received resource facilitation were more engaged in vocational services. It also had a positive impact on participants involvement in community and home activities. Resource facilitation does not appear to affect depression.

Conclusions

Six months of resource facilitation, provided soon after patient discharge from acute rehabilitation, may have a powerful impact on employment post brain injury and community participation. More research is needed.

URL http://journals.lww.com/headtraumarehab/Abstract/2010/11000/Prospective_Randomized_Controlled_Trial_of.6.aspx
Disabilities
Populations Male & Female
Outcomes Return to work
NIDILRR Funded Yes
Research Design Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Peer Reviewed Yes