Citation

Spearman RC, Stamm BH, Tivis LJ. Brain Inj. 2007; 21(8): 837-849.

Affiliation

Institute of Rural Health, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA. spearuss@isu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699050701426857

PMID

17676441

Abstract

PURPOSE: The overarching purpose of this work was to generate a framework on which to build a traumatic brain injury (TBI) system-support action plan for individuals with a TBI living in a rural state. METHODS: Four research questions were posed aimed at describing rural service/support needs and service satisfaction among persons with a TBI, as well as rural service/support availability as defined by providers. One hundred and ninety-four providers/agencies and 250 individuals/family members completed one of two versions (provider/agency, individual/family member) of a Needs and Resources Assessment. RESULTS: Data analyses indicated that the majority of individual respondents lived at an impoverished income level and lived with a TBI for approximately 12 years. Quality of life was perceived as significantly lower after the TBI than before. Employment decreased significantly following a TBI. Reasons for unemployment included a perceived inability to work, problems regarding proper accommodation and/or perceptions regarding being chosen as suitable job candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Provider data confirmed that many important services are rarely available or specific to TBIs. Basic assistance with employment, cognitive training and occupational therapy were among those most needed. Paradoxically, a high proportion of individuals reported feeling satisfied with most services. Applications of these data along with recommendations for other rural states are described.

Language: en