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. |
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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 |