Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contribution of caregiver emotional functioning and
family functioning to participation outcomes after postacute rehabilitation for
traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Three
postacute comprehensive-integrated postacute rehabilitation programs associated
with National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-funded TBI
Model Systems Centers. PARTICIPANTS: Persons with medically documented TBI
(N=136; 57% with severe TBI, 12% moderate, 31% mild), primarily men and 69%
white. INTERVENTIONS:
Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Community
Integration Questionnaire and Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique
(CHART). RESULTS: After accounting for age, education, sex, and race/ethnicity,
there was a significant interaction between caregiver emotional functioning and
time since injury for CHART Occupation and Social Integration Scale scores.
Better emotional functioning in caregivers was associated with greater occupation
and social integration outcomes for persons who entered the postacute
rehabilitation program within 6 months of injury, but not for those >6 months
postinjury. There was no relationship of family functioning to participation
outcomes, and no interaction between family functioning and time since injury.
CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver distress should be accounted for in studies investigating
the effectiveness of postacute rehabilitation after TBI.
Screening of caregivers
early during postacute rehabilitation can target those who need assistance to
improve their support of the person with TBI.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS