Citation

Simpson GK, Daher M, Hodgkinson A, Strettles B. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2015; 31(2): E26-38.

Affiliation

Liverpool Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Dr Simpson and Dr Hodgkinson); John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Sydney School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Dr Simpson); Brain Injury Rehabilitation Research Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia (Dr Simpson and Ms Daher); and Agency for Clinical Innovation, Sydney Australia (Ms Strettles).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0000000000000160

PMID

26098264

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the demographic/injury profile, outcomes, service utilization, and unmet service needs of individuals with severe traumatic brain injury across urban, regional, and remote areas of New South Wales. SETTING: The 11 community-based rehabilitation teams of the New South Wales Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program. PARTICIPANTS: Active clients (N = 503) with severe traumatic brain injury.

DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional multicenter study. MAIN MEASURES: Overt Behaviour Scale, Health of the Nation Outcome Scale-Acquired Brain Injury, Disability Rating Scale, Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale-2, Care and Needs Scale, data protocol on service utilization, and unmet needs.

RESULTS: There were no differences in injury severity or functional outcomes across the 3 locations. However, clients in regional and remote areas had significantly higher levels of premorbid and postinjury comorbidities and lower levels of participation in comparison to urban clients. Although accessing the same number of services as their urban counterparts, clients in regional and remote areas had significantly higher levels of unmet needs suggesting problems with under-servicing.

CONCLUSIONS: Geographical location had a significant impact on service access and outcomes.

Language: en