Efficacy of a brief acute neurobehavioural intervention following traumatic brain injury: a preliminary investigation.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief acute neurobehavioural intervention, the First Steps Acute Neurobehavioural and Cognitive Intervention (FANCI), with persons who have traumatic brain injury (TBI).

RESEARCH DESIGN

Prospective, controlled, repeated measures design.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Seventy-two patients in acute TBI rehabilitation participated either as FANCI subjects or as control participants who watched videos to control for time and attention. Outcome measures included the Neurobehavioural Rating Scale-Revised (NRS-R), Functional Independence Measure (FIM™), a FANCI Learning Assessment (LA) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

In comparison with controls, FANCI participants had significantly greater neurobehavioural (cognitive, emotional and behavioural) as well as FIM motor improvements. Significantly greater learning occurred and persisted over time for FANCI subjects as compared to controls. Pre-treatment cognitive and neurobehavioural status, length of coma and number of sessions completed were moderating variables for functional and cognitive outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with TBI can benefit from comprehensive, manualized neurobehavioural interventions, over and above standard rehabilitation care, even during the acute phase of recovery.