The Dynamics of Change in Outcomes
over the First
Five Years Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Longitudinal studies of persons with traumatic brain injuries
have given
minimal attention to dynamic aspects of outcomes, with only the recent
reports from the TBI Model Systems examining individual
trends over time.
While persistent problems in employment, psychosocial functioning, and
cognitive functions have been common outcomes, research has
not been guided
by theoretical schema of the overall nature of outcomes. The
present study
employs a cross-sequential design to compare samples of
persons with traumatic
brain injuries, one to five years post-discharge from rehabilitation,
with a matched group of persons with traumatic spinal cord
injuries (SCI).
The nature and extent of change in outcomes over this time
period is being
examined. The study design allows testing of the uniqueness of dynamic
outcomes to persons with traumatic brain injury; and will examine the
extent to which patterns of change are individual or
developmental. Premorbid
and injury related differences which may determine later outcomes will
be identified; as well as post-injury treatment and
environmental factors
which may alter outcomes. This study uses a tripartite model
of conceptualizing
outcomes, which has at its foundation the assumption that outcome must
be judged from at least three perspectives, that of the
affected individual
receiving a service, the professional providing it, and the society to
which the individual belongs.
Data collection for this project continues for
one more year. We have analyzed the cross-sectional data from the first
year evaluations, comparing individuals who are one, two, and
three years
post-injury. There were no significant findings related to
time post-injury,
however some trends suggested the need for further study.
Project
Summary