Article

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To develop and conduct a preliminary evaluation of a
manualized family system intervention for adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI). RESEARCH DESIGN: Descriptive/exploratory design using mixed methods:
modified-Delphi technique, self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured
interviews. METHODS : Topic modules and content areas for the
adolescent version (BIFI-A) were developed, building on topic areas from the
empirically-based Brain Injury Family Intervention (BIFI) for adults. Eight
adolescents with ABI, their families and three clinicians who implemented the
BIFI-A participated in evaluation of the BIFI-A. Evaluation data were obtained
from all participants at the end of each session and post-intervention. Content
validity of the revised version was formally evaluated. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: A seven-session curriculum, focusing on education, skill building and
emotional support, was developed and tested. Clinical utility evaluation survey
results indicated 81-89% mean agreement, with positive statements rating
helpfulness, importance, relevance, and satisfaction with the BIFI-A. Ninety per
cent of adolescent, family and clinician participants said they would recommend
the intervention to families of adolescents with an ABI. Survey and qualitative
findings from families and test clinicians were used to refine the BIFI-A into a
12-session curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide evidence that BIFI-A is
a promising family system intervention. Additional research is needed to
determine its benefits.

Langue : ANGLAIS