Acquired brain injury self-management programme: a pilot study.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Traditional rehabilitation is not well suited to individuals with chronic mild symptoms following an acquired brain injury. To address this, this study adapted a supported self-management programme (SMP) for this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effectiveness of this novel SMP.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Retrospective case series with repeated measures.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Fifty-three participants with chronic mild symptoms following an acquired brain injury (primarily mild traumatic brain injury) completed an SMP. The intervention involved eight coaching sessions with each an occupational therapist and psychologist, carried out in the community and based on SMP principles. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was administered at baseline, discharge and 3- and 9-month follow-up. This measure yielded scores for performance and satisfaction with daily functioning, covering the domains of self-care, productivity and leisure.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

A complete case analysis of programme completers revealed that participants' ratings of their occupational performance and satisfaction improved markedly between baseline and discharge from the SMP. This set of outcome measures remained stable between discharge and the two follow-up points.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study suggests that SMPs may improve daily functioning in individuals with chronic mild ABI symptoms. More methodologically robust clinical trials are warranted.