Citation

McGarity S, Barnett SD, Lamberty G, Kretzmer T, Powell-Cope G, Patel N, Nakase-Richardson R. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2016; 32(1): 34-45.

Affiliation

James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0000000000000242

PMID

27323217

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine community reintegration problems among Veterans and military service members with mild or moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) at 1 year postinjury and to identify unique predictors that may contribute to these difficulties. SETTING: VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 154 inpatients enrolled in the VA TBI Model Systems Program with available injury severity data (mild = 28.6%; moderate/severe = 71.4%) and 1-year postinjury outcome data.

DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal cohort. MAIN MEASURES: Community reintegration outcomes included independent driving, employability, and general community participation. Additional measures assessed depression, posttraumatic stress, and cognitive and motor functioning.

RESULTS: In the mild TBI (mTBI) group, posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms were associated with lower levels of various community reintegration outcomes. In the moderate/severe TBI group, cognition and motor skills were significantly associated with lower levels of community participation, independent driving, and employability.

CONCLUSION: Community reintegration is problematic for Veterans and active duty service members with a history of TBI. Unique comorbidities across injury severity groups inhibit full reintegration into the community. These findings highlight the ongoing rehabilitation needs of persons with TBI, specifically evidence-based mental healthcare, in comprehensive rehabilitation programs consistent with a chronic disease management model.

Language: en