Scheduled Telephone Intervention for Traumatic Brain Injury: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of telehealth interventions among traumatic brain injury survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Brain damage is associated with physical and psychological difficulties among TBI survivors. Diverse face-to-face and telehealth programs exist to help survivors cope with these burdens. However, the effectiveness of telehealth interventions among TBI survivors remains inconclusive.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials were conducted. Relevant full-text articles were retrieved from seven databases, from database inception to January 2022, including Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Bias was assessed with the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled effect size of telehealth interventions for TBI survivors. STATA 16.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 17 studies (N = 3158) applying telehealth interventions among TBI survivors were included in the analysis. Telehealth interventions decreased neurobehavioural symptom (standardized mean difference: -0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.36 to 0.10), reduce depression (standardized mean difference: -0.32; 95% CI: -0.79 to 0.14), and increase symptom management self-efficacy (standardized mean difference: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.02-0.42).

DISCUSSION

Telehealth interventions are promising avenues for healthcare delivery due to advances in technology and information. Telehealth programs may represent windows of opportunity, combining traditional treatment with rehabilitation to increase symptom management self-efficacy among TBI patients during recovery. Future telehealth programs can focus on developing the contents of telehealth modules based on evidence from this study.

Integrated Care Pathways for Black Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Critical Transdisciplinary Scoping Review of the Clinical Care Journey

Objectives: This novel critical transdisciplinary scoping review examined the literature on integrated care pathways that consider Black people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objectives were to (a) summarize the extent, nature, and range of literature on care pathways that consider Black populations, (b) summarize how Blackness, race, and racism are conceptualized in the literature, (c) determine how Black people come to access care pathways, and (d) identify how care pathways in research consider the mechanism of injury and implications for human occupation. Methods: Six databases were searched systematically identifying 178 articles after removing duplicates. In total, 43 articles on integrated care within the context of Black persons with TBI were included. Narrative synthesis was conducted to analyze the data and was presented as descriptive statistics and as a narrative to tell a story. Findings: All studies were based in the United States where 81% reported racial and ethnic disparities across the care continuum primarily using race as a biological construct. Sex, gender, and race are used as demographic variables where statistical data were stratified in only 9% of studies. Black patients are primarily denied access to care, experience lower rates of protocol treatments, poor quality of care, and lack access to rehabilitation. Racial health disparities are disconnected from racism and are displayed as symptoms of a problem that remains unnamed. Conclusion: The findings illustrate how racism becomes institutionalized in research on TBI care pathways, demonstrating the need to incorporate the voices of Black people, transcend disciplinary boundaries, and adopt an anti-racist lens to research.

Cognitive and Behavioral Digital Health Interventions for People with Traumatic Brain Injury and Their Caregivers: A Systematic Review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to cognitive linguistic deficits that significantly impact on quality of life and well-being. Digital health offers timely access to specialized services; however, there are few synthesized reviews in this field. This review evaluates and synthesizes reports of digital health interventions in TBI rehabilitation and caregiver education. Systematic searches of nine databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, speechBITE, and PsycBITE) were conducted from database inception to February 2022. Studies were included of interventions where the primary treatment focus (> 50%) was on improving communication, social, psychological or cognitive skills of people with TBI and/or communication partners. Data on participants, characteristics of the interventions, outcome measures and findings were collected. Risk of bias was accounted for through methodological quality assessments (PEDro-P and PEDro+, Risk of Bias in N-of-1 Trials) and intervention description. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic synthesis. Forty-four articles met eligibility criteria: 20 randomized controlled trials, three single-case experimental designs, six non-randomized controlled trials, nine case series studies, and two case studies. Studies comprised 3666 people with TBI and 213 carers. Methodological quality was varied and intervention description was poor. Most interventions were delivered via a single digital modality (e.g., telephone), with few using a combination of modalities. Five interventions used co-design with key stakeholders. Digital health interventions for people with TBI and their caregivers are feasible and all studies reported positive outcomes; however, few included blind assessors. Improved methodological rigor, clearly described intervention characteristics and consistent outcome measurement is recommended. Further research is needed regarding multi-modal digital health interventions.

Telemedicine for neurological diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim was to systematically review the effectiveness and safety of telemedicine combined with usual care (in-person visits) compared to usual care for the therapeutic management and follow-up assessment of neurological diseases.

METHODS

The electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched (June 2021). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on patients of any age with neurological diseases were considered. Two reviewers screened and abstracted data in duplicate and independently and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). When possible, pooled effect estimates were calculated.

RESULTS

Of a total of 3018 records initially retrieved, 25 RCTs (n = 2335) were included: 11 (n = 804) on stroke, four (n = 520) on Parkinson's disease, three (n = 110) on multiple sclerosis, two (n = 320) on epilepsy, one (n = 63) on dementia, one (n = 23) on spina bifida, one (n = 40) on migraine, one (n = 22) on cerebral palsy and one (n = 433) on brain damage. Types of telemedicine assessed were online visits (11 studies), tele-rehabilitation (seven studies), telephone calls (three), smartphone apps (two) and online computer software (two). The evidence was quite limited except for stroke. Compared to usual care alone, telemedicine plus usual care was found to improve depressive symptoms, functional status, motor function, executive function, generic quality of life, healthcare utilization and healthy lifestyle in patients in post-stroke follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Well-designed and executed RCTs are needed to confirm our findings on stroke and to have more scientific evidence available for the other neurological diseases.

Feasibility of Problem-Solving Training During Inpatient Rehabilitation in Patients With Stroke

IMPORTANCE

Stroke survivors report feeling unprepared to manage challenges that arise during the transition from hospital to home. Cultivating problem-solving skills before discharge may better prepare patients for the transition home.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of a protocol to deliver Problem-Solving Training (PST) to stroke survivors during inpatient rehabilitation to increase goal achievement.

DESIGN

Single-group feasibility study.

SETTING

Academic and county hospital inpatient rehabilitation units.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients with stroke and planned discharge home.

INTERVENTION

Up to six PST sessions over 2 to 3 wk followed by 3 mo of mobile health boosters.

RESULTS

Of 17 eligible participants, 15 consented and 11 completed three or more PST sessions. Six participants used electronic boosters, achieving at least one goal postdischarge. Participants reported high satisfaction with PST (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 M score = 29.3, SD = 4.4; range = 8-32), moderate depression at baseline (eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-8] score, M = 11.0, SD = 6.1; range = 0-27), mild depression at 3 mo postdischarge (PHQ-8 score, M = 8.3, SD = 5.5), moderately high self-efficacy at baseline (General Self-Efficacy Scale [GSE] score, M = 31.1, SD = 7.3; range = 10-40), and a self-efficacy increase at 3 mo postdischarge (GSE score, M = 34.1, SD = 4.2).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

PST among patients with stroke during inpatient rehabilitation was feasible, and participants demonstrated improvements in clinical outcomes and goal attainment. Barriers to participation and adherence should be addressed in future studies. What This Article Adds: Teaching patients problem-solving skills early after a stroke using a metacognitive strategy is feasible and may decrease depression and increase self-efficacy while fostering independent goal setting and problem solving.

Community-Based Interventions After Acquired Brain Injury-A Systematic Review of Intervention Types and Their Effectiveness

OBJECTIVES

Comprehensive review of existing types and effectiveness of community-based interventions delivered to adults (mean age 18-65 years) with long-lasting (≥6 months) difficulties following acquired brain injury (ABI).

DESIGN

Systematic review of controlled intervention studies published until February 2021.

MAIN MEASURES

Systematic searches in databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects [Cochrane Library], and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [Cochrane Library]) and inclusion of English peer-reviewed full-text articles; randomized or controlled community-based intervention studies; sample size of 20 or more participants; and 3 or more intervention sessions. Two reviewers independently extracted data for the synthesis and assessed the methodological quality. Data extraction included study characteristics, demographics of participants, content and dose of intervention, outcome measures, and findings.

RESULT

The search returned 7386 publications, of which 49 eligible studies were included, revealing a diverse range of community-based interventions and a myriad of outcome measures applied for assessing functional capacities, participation, and quality of life in the chronic phase of ABI. Intervention types encompassed 14 holistic, 23 physical, and 12 specific interventions. A large heterogeneity regarding intervention frequency and intensity was found. Meta-analyses performed on the holistic, physical, and specific interventions did not indicate any significant pooled effects but showed highly variable effects between individuals, both in persons with traumatic and nontraumatic brain injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of lack of pooled effects within types of community-based interventions, specific evidence-based recommendations within holistic, physical, and specific interventions designed to mitigate long-lasting ABI problems cannot be made. This review highlights the need for future studies to address methodological issues concerning larger sample size, lack of clear description interventions and comparator, missing reports of effects in change scores, need for consistent use of recommended outcome measures, and investigating the wide variety in intervention responsiveness among participants with ABI. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42019124949).

CONNECT: A pragmatic clinical trial testing a remotely provided linkage to service coordination after hospitalization for TBI

OBJECTIVE

To test whether a complex behavioral intervention delivered remotely to connect individuals to clinical resources after hospitalization for TBI improved their quality of life.

DESIGN/METHODS

Community-based randomized pragmatic clinical trial. Main measures TBI-QOL, Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC), Clinical Satisfaction and Competency Rating Scale.

RESULTS

332 individuals ≥18 years-old hospitalized for TBI in four upper Midwest states were randomized to Remote (n = 166) and Usual Care (n = 166) groups. The groups were equivalent and representative of their state population's racial and ethnic composition, age, and proportion living in rural communities. There were no significant differences within or between experimental groups over the study period in TBI-QOL t-scores. There was a significant improvement in AM-PAC Daily Activities within the Remote group and a significant between-group improvement in clinical satisfaction for the Remote group.

CONCLUSION

Enrolling a representative, regional community-based sample of individuals with TBI can be successful, and delivering a customized complex behavioral intervention remotely is feasible. The overall lack of intervention effectiveness was likely due to enrolling individuals without pre-identified clinical needs, initiating intervention after the immediate post-acute phase when needs are often highest, inability to provide direct clinical care remotely, and potential lack of outcome measure responsiveness in our sample.

Protocol for a Phase Two, Parallel Three-Armed Non-inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT-Adjust) Comparing Face-to-Face and Video Conferencing Delivery to Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury Experiencing Psychological Distress

Background: People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face a range of mental health challenges during the adjustment process post-injury, but access to treatment can be difficult, particularly for those who live in regional and remote regions. eHealth provides the potential to improve access to evidence-based psychological therapy for people with a severe TBI. The aim of the current study is to assess the efficacy of a psychological intervention delivered via video consulting to reduce psychological distress in people with TBI. Methods: This paper outlines the protocol for a multi-center, three-arm, parallel, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an evidence-based manualized psychological intervention, ACT-Adjust. ACT-Adjust provides nine sessions for adults with a moderate to severe TBI experiencing clinical levels of psychological distress. Fifty-six participants referred from Brain Injury Rehabilitation Units across New South Wales (NSW) and the NSW icare scheme will be randomly allocated to three conditions; (1) video consulting (VC), (2) face-to-face (FtF) and, (3) a waitlist control (WL). Discussion: This is the first RCT to evaluate the efficacy of a psychological therapy (ACT-Adjust) delivered via video consulting for individuals with a moderate to severe TBI. Trial Registration: www.anzctr.org.au, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTRN2619001602112.

Worse Than Death: Survey of Public Perceptions of Disability Outcomes After Hypothetical Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the health utility states of the most commonly used traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinical trial endpoint, the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Health utilities represent the strength of one's preferences under conditions of uncertainty. There are insufficient data to indicate how an individual would value levels of disability after a TBI.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional web-based online convenience sampling adaptive survey. Using a standard gamble approach, participants evaluated their preferences for GOSE health states 1 year after a hypothetical TBI. The categorical GOSE was studied from vegetative state (GOSE2) to upper good recovery (GOSE8). Median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) health utility values for different GOSE states after TBI, ranging from -1 (worse than death) to 1 (full health), with 0 as reference (death).

RESULTS

Of 3508 eligible participants, 3235 (92.22%) completed the survey. Participants rated lower GOSE states as having lower utility, with some states rated as worse than death, though the relationship was nonlinear and intervals were unequal between health states. Over 75% of participants rated a vegetative state (GOSE2, absence of awareness and bedridden) and about 50% rated lower severe disability (GOSE3, housebound needing all-day assistance) as conditions worse than death.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest investigation of public perceptions about post-TBI disability, we demonstrate unequally rated health states, with some states perceived as worse than death. Although limited by selection bias, these results may guide future comparative-effectiveness research and shared medical decision-making after neurologic injury.

The impact of cognitive-communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury on the family; a qualitative, focus group study

Primary Objective: To identify how families experience cognitive-communication difficulties following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Experiences of information, training and support for managing communication changes were also explored. Research Design: Qualitative focus group methodology using thematic analysis. Method: 15 family members of individuals with cognitive-communication difficulties following severe TBI participated in the study; four parents, six spouses, three siblings and two offspring. The majority of participants were female (80%, n = 12), with a mean age of 51 (range 19-71). Four focus groups were held with family members at 0-12 months, 12-36 months and 36+ months post-injury. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVIVO 12.Results: Cognitive-communication difficulties were found to impact upon family functioning and psychological wellbeing for several years post-injury. Changes to social cognition, insight and the "filter switch" of the person following TBI were key areas of distress. Participants highlighted the need for information about communication changes to be provided at several time points post-injury. The need for peer support from other families with experience of cognitive-communication difficulties was also identified.Conclusion: Cognitive-communication difficulties impact upon family functioning for many years following injury with families continuing to have support needs for communication well beyond the acute rehabilitation stage.

A randomized controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for psychological distress among persons with traumatic brain injury

Psychological distress is common in persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) but treatments remain underdeveloped. This randomized controlled trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was designed to address this gap. Ninety-three persons with medically-documented complicated mild to severe TBI, normal-to-mildly impaired memory, and clinically significant psychological distress in the chronic phase of recovery were randomized to receive eight weeks of ACT (manualized with adaptations to address TBI-related cognitive impairments) or a single session of needs assessment, brief counseling/education, and referral. The ACT group showed significantly greater reduction of psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory 18) and demonstrated improvements in psychological flexibility and commitment to action (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) scores). The number of treatment responders (post-treatment BSI 18 GSI T scores <63) was larger in the ACT group than in the control group. Entry of AAQ-II scores into the model of between-group differences in BSI 18 GSI T scores indicated that core ACT processes explained the variance in treatment group outcomes. Provision of ACT reduces psychological distress in persons with TBI in the chronic phase of recovery when adaptations are made to accommodate TBI-related cognitive impairments. Additional clinical trials with a structurally equivalent control group are needed.

Implementation of a Neurotrauma Hotline for post-hospital continuity of care

BACKGROUND

There are 4.8 million emergency department (ED) visits for traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually in the United States. Many of these patients do not receive educational information or follow-up care.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Our institution implemented a Neurotrauma Hotline for TBI patients. This study describes our implementation and utilization of a Neurotrauma Hotline at a Level I trauma center.

METHODS

Callers and outcomes of calls to the hotline over a 12-month period were analyzed. Correlation analysis was done to assess relationship between hotline calls and TBI clinic volumes.

RESULTS

There were 1205 calls to the hotline. Calls were most commonly from internal providers or patients, with 338 repeat callers. The call reason was frequently an appointment (36.8%) or advice (32.1%). There were 334 TBI clinic visits, and however, there was no statistically significant correlation between number of hotline calls and number of clinic visits (r = .417; P = .177).

CONCLUSIONS

There was widespread utilization of our hotline. Other institutions wishing to adopt similar practices can expect that the majority of calls will be for appointment scheduling or clinical advice. Further work is needed to determine whether implementation of a Neurotrauma Hotline improves resource utilization and patient outcomes.

Use of Amitriptyline in the Treatment of Headache After Traumatic Brain Injury: Lessons Learned From a Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

The primary outcome of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of preventive treatment with amitriptyline on headache frequency and severity after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that headache is the most common and persistent physical symptom after TBI, there has been little research on the longitudinal course or pharmacologic treatment of this disorder. Of those who have headache after injury, about 60% continue to complain of headache at 3 months post injury, with higher levels of disability than those without headache. There have been no prospective, randomized, controlled trials of a pharmacologic agent for headache after TBI. Additionally, a brain-injured population may be more susceptible to side effects of medication.

DESIGN

This is a single-center phase II trial of amitriptyline to prevent persistent headache after an mTBI. Medication dose was gradually increased from 10 to 50 mg daily.

RESULTS

Fifty participants were enrolled and 33 who completed the 90-day assessment were included in the final analysis. In order to detect a possible cognitive impact of the study drug, 24 participants were randomly assigned to start amitriptyline immediately after study enrollment and 26 were assigned to start 30 days after enrollment. Forty-nine percent (18/37) of those assigned to take medication took none throughout the study period, with less compliance in younger participants with mean ages of 32.7 in those who did not take any medication, 33.4 who were less than 80% compliant, and 42.3 who were compliant (P = .013). Compliance in keeping a daily headache diary was low, with 29/50 participants (58%) meeting daily entry completion, and only 10 participants maintaining 100% diary completion. No differences were found between those who started medication immediately vs at day 30 in headache frequency or severity.

CONCLUSIONS

While headache is the most common symptom following mTBI, current evidence does not support a specific treatment. No differences were noted in headache frequency compared to our prior study. However, the current sample had significantly lower headache severity (15% vs 36% with pain rating of 6 or above, P = .015) compared to our prior study. Our current study was not able to determine whether there is any benefit for the use of amitriptyline as a headache preventive because of difficulty with study recruitment and compliance. The challenges with recruitment and retention in the mTBI population were instructive, and future research in this area will need to identify strategies to improve recruitment, diary compliance, and medication adherence in this population.

Efficacy of Telerehabilitation for Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To identify and appraise studies evaluating the efficacy of telerehabilitation for adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

A systematic search of Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and PsycINFO databases was conducted from January 1980 to April 23, 2017, for studies evaluating the efficacy of telerehabilitation for adults with TBI. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for eligibility and rated methodological quality using 16 criteria related to internal validity, descriptive, and statistical characteristics.

RESULTS

The review yielded 13 eligible studies, including 10 randomized controlled trials and 3 pre-/postgroup studies (n ≥ 10). These evaluated the feasibility and/or efficacy of telephone-based (10 studies) and Internet-based (3 studies) interventions. Overall, the evidence of efficacy was somewhat mixed. The most common study design evaluated the efficacy of telephone-based interventions relative to usual care, for which 4 of 5 randomized controlled trials reported positive effects at postintervention (d = 0.28-0.51). For these studies, improvements in global functioning, posttraumatic symptoms and sleep quality, and depressive symptoms were reported. The feasibility of Internet-based interventions was generally supported; however, the efficacy could not be determined because of insufficient studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Structured telephone interventions were found to be effective for improving particular outcomes following TBI. Controlled studies of Internet-based therapy and comparisons of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of in-person and telerehabilitation formats are recommended for future research.

Randomized Controlled Trials of Rehabilitation Services in the Post-acute Phase of Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury - A Systematic Review

Background and aims: There is a gap in knowledge regarding effective rehabilitation service delivery in the post-acute phase after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recently, Gutenbrunner et al. proposed a classification system for health-related rehabilitation services (International Classification System for Service Organization in Health-related Rehabilitation, ICSO-R) that could be useful for contrasting and comparing rehabilitation services. The ICSO-R describes the dimensions of Provision (i.e., context of delivered services), Funding (i.e., sources of income and refunding), and Delivery (i.e., mode, structure and intensity) at the meso-level of services.

We aim to:

-Provide an overview of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) with rehabilitation service relevance provided to patients with moderate and severe TBI in the post-acute phase using the ICSO-R as a framework; and

-Evaluate the extent to which the provision, funding and delivery dimensions of rehabilitation services were addressed and differed between the intervention arms in these studies.

Materials and methods: A systematic literature search was performed in OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, PsychINFO, and CENTRAL, including multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions with RCT designs and service relevance targeting moderate and severe TBI in the post-acute phase.

Results: 23 studies with 4,644 TBI patients were included. More than two-thirds of the studies were conducted in a hospital-based rehabilitation setting. The contrast in Context between the intervention arms often co-varied with Resources. The funding of the services was explicitly described in only one study. Aspects of the Delivery dimension were described in all of the studies, and the Mode of Production, Intensity, Aspects of Time and Peer Support were contrasted in the intervention arms in several of the studies. A wide variety of outcome measures were applied often covering Body function, as well as the Activities and Participation domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

Conclusion: Aspects of service organization and resources as well as delivery may clearly influence outcome of rehabilitation. Presently, lack of uniformity of data and collection methods, the heterogeneity of structures and processes of rehabilitation services, and a lack of common outcome measurements make comparisons between the studies difficult. Standardized descriptions of services by ICSO-R, offer the possibility to improve comparability in the future and thus enhance the relevance of rehabilitation studies.

Remote supervision of rehabilitation interventions for survivors of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have persistent impairments upon discharge home. In rural communities, specialized rehabilitation services to address impairments can be difficult to access. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine how remote supervision is currently being used in TBI rehabilitation to identify gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed to facilitate access to and implementation of these services.

METHODS

The main objective for this review is to identify the methods being used to deliver remote supervision for rehabilitation in a moderate or severe TBI population. The aim of this review was to document the implementation characteristics of remote supervision used including: (1) type of supervision such as synchronous, asynchronous supervision or mixed; (2) frequency and intensity of remote supervision; and (3) outcomes used to measure intervention delivery as well as effectiveness within this population. This scoping review follows EQUATOR Network recommendations for screening and extracting data.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies using a variety of remote supervision technology and outcome measures were included. Supervision frequency and intensity are poorly reported with no standardization. One hundred and six outcome measures were reported in this review showing large diversity in the areas being explored.

DISCUSSION

Different types of remote supervision have been used with this population; however, there are no clear guidelines on clinical implementation. Future studies must better define implementation parameters of remote supervision. Benefit on physical activity, balance and mobility outcomes also need to be further explored.

Psychological Intervention in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Objective

To provide a brief and comprehensive summary of recent research regarding psychological interventions for patients surviving a traumatic brain injury.

Methods

A bibliographical search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycNET, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar online databases. Analysis included distribution by year of publication, age stage of participants (paediatric, adult), location of the research team, study design, type of intervention, and main outcome variables.

Results

The initial search eliciting 1541 citations was reduced to 62 relevant papers. Most publications had adult samples (88.7%). The United States outstands as the country with more research (58.1%); Latin America countries provided no results. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was the most widely used approach for treatment of (sub)clinical mental disturbances (41.9%). Neuropsychological interventions were scarce (4.8%). Outcome measures included psychiatric disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety) (37.1%), postconcussive symptoms (16.1%), cognitive and functional deficits (48.1%), and social and psychological dimensions (62.9%).

Conclusions

CBT outstands as the preferred therapeutic approach for treating behavioural and emotional disturbances. Also, other related therapies such as dialectical behaviour, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapies have been proposed, and probably in the years to come, more literature regarding their effectiveness will be available. On the other hand, evidence showed that interventions from the field of neuropsychology are minimal if compared with its contribution to assessment. Future research should be aimed at performing studies on more diverse populations (e.g., nonmilitary communities and paediatric and Latin American populations) and at controlling designs to examine the therapeutic efficacy of psychotherapeutic and neurocognitive rehabilitation interventions and compare amelioration by injury severity, age of patients, and clinical profile, in the hopes of creating better guidelines for practitioners.

Early, specialist vocational rehabilitation to facilitate return to work after traumatic brain injury: the FRESH feasibility RCT

BACKGROUND

Up to 160,000 people incur traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year in the UK. TBI can have profound effects on many areas of human functioning, including participation in work. There is limited evidence of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation (VR) after injury to promote early return to work (RTW) following TBI.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of a definitive, multicentre, randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early, specialist VR plus usual care (UC) compared with UC alone on work retention 12 months post TBI.

DESIGN

A multicentre, feasibility, parallel-group RCT with a feasibility economic evaluation and an embedded mixed-methods process evaluation. Randomisation was by remote computer-generated allocation.

SETTING

Three NHS major trauma centres (MTCs) in England.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with TBI admitted for > 48 hours and working or studying prior to injury.

INTERVENTIONS

Early specialist TBI VR delivered by occupational therapists (OTs) in the community using a case co-ordination model.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported RTW 12 months post randomisation, mood, functional ability, participation, work self-efficacy, quality of life and work ability. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment and retention rates. Follow-up was by postal questionnaires in two centres and face to face in one centre. Those collecting data were blind to treatment allocation.

RESULTS

Out of 102 target participants, 78 were recruited (39 randomised to each arm), representing 39% of those eligible and 5% of those screened. Approximately 2.2 patients were recruited per site per month. Of those, 56% had mild injuries, 18% had moderate injuries and 26% had severe injuries. A total of 32 out of 45 nominated carers were recruited. A total of 52 out of 78 (67%) TBI participants responded at 12 months (UC, n = 23; intervention, n = 29), completing 90% of the work questions; 21 out of 23 (91%) UC respondents and 20 out of 29 (69%) intervention participants returned to work at 12 months. Two participants disengaged from the intervention. Face-to-face follow-up was no more effective than postal follow-up. RTW was most strongly related to social participation and work self-efficacy. It is feasible to assess the cost-effectiveness of VR. Intervention was delivered as intended and valued by participants. Factors likely to affect a definitive trial include deploying experienced OTs, no clear TBI definition or TBI registers, and repatriation of more severe TBI from MTCs, affecting recruitment of those most likely to benefit/least likely to drop out.

LIMITATIONS

Target recruitment was not reached, but mechanisms to achieve this in future studies were identified. Retention was lower than expected, particularly in UC, potentially biasing estimates of the 12-month RTW rate.

CONCLUSIONS

This study met most feasibility objectives. The intervention was delivered with high fidelity. When objectives were not met, strategies to ensure feasibility of a full trial were identified. Future work should test two-stage recruitment and include resources to recruit from 'spokes'. A broader measure covering work ability, self-efficacy and participation may be a more sensitive outcome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN38581822.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 33. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Apps and Mobile Health Technology in Rehabilitation: The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown

Although there is disparity in access to mobile health (mHealth) services among people with disabilities, several smartphone and tablet-based mHealth applications are available that may affect the care of patients in rehabilitation medicine. This article reviews the current evidence for and breadth of application-based mHealth interventions in rehabilitation medicine, including comprehensive self-management mHealth services; weight management mHealth services; diagnosis-specific mHealth services for individuals with brain, spinal cord, musculoskeletal, or other injury types; and nonmedical services to improve community and social integration.

A Multidimensional Approach to Post-concussion Symptoms in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) presents a substantial burden to patients, families, and health care systems. Whereas, recovery can be expected in the majority of patients, a subset continues to report persisting somatic, cognitive, emotional, and/or behavioral problems, generally referred to as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). However, this term has been the subject of debate since the mechanisms underlying post-concussion symptoms and the role of pre- and post-injury-related factors are still poorly understood. We review current evidence and controversies concerning the use of the terms post-concussion symptoms vs. syndrome, its diagnosis, etiology, prevalence, assessment, and treatment in both adults and children. Prevalence rates of post-concussion symptoms vary between 11 and 82%, depending on diagnostic criteria, population and timing of assessment. Post-concussion symptoms are dependent on complex interactions between somatic, psychological, and social factors. Progress in understanding has been hampered by inconsistent classification and variable assessment procedures. There are substantial limitations in research to date, resulting in gaps in our understanding, leading to uncertainty regarding epidemiology, etiology, prognosis, and treatment. Future directions including the identification of potential mechanisms, new imaging techniques, comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment options are discussed. Treatment of post-concussion symptoms is highly variable, and primarily directed at symptom relief, rather than at modifying the underlying pathology. Longitudinal studies applying standardized assessment strategies, diagnoses, and evidence-based interventions are required in adult and pediatric mTBI populations to optimize recovery and reduce the substantial socio-economic burden of post-concussion symptoms.

Mindfulness-Based Versus Health Promotion Group Therapy After Traumatic Brain Injury

The current pre- and posttest intervention study is designed for individuals with chronic symptoms and stress associated with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). The researchers' intent was to evaluate whether an 8-week mindfulness-based group therapy compared to health promotion active control group therapy reduces chronic stress, TBI symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Significant mean reductions in chronic stress and TBI depressive and general symptoms for individuals in the mindfulness group compared to the active control group were present, according to paired t test analyses. Further, while controlling for baseline scores, the mindfulness-based intervention group change score was greater compared to the control group using regression analyses. Results suggest that mindfulness-based group intervention for individuals with chronic difficulties after TBI is feasible and effective. Further study of this cost-effective and self-management approach to stress and symptom management is warranted and has the potential to be a broad-based intervention for early therapy after injury. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(1), 26-33.].

Systematic Review of Caregiver and Dyad Interventions After Adult Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

To describe and synthesize the literature on adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) family caregiver and dyad intervention. TBI is a common injury that has a significant long-term impact, and is sometimes even characterized as a chronic condition. Informal (ie, unpaid) family caregivers of adults with TBI experience high rates of burnout, depression, fatigue, anxiety, lower subjective well-being, and poorer levels of physical health compared to noncaregivers. This study addresses the critical gap in the understanding of interventions designed to address the impact of TBI on adult patients and their family caregivers.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and MEDLINE.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies selected for review had to be written in English and be quasi-experimental or experimental in design, report on TBI caregivers, survivors with heavy involvement of caregivers, or caregiver dyads, involve moderate and severe TBI, and describe an intervention implemented during some portion of the TBI care continuum.

DATA EXTRACTION

The search identified 2171 articles, of which 14 met our criteria for inclusion. Of the identified studies, 10 were randomized clinical trials and 4 were nonrandomized quasi-experimental studies. A secondary search to describe studies that included individuals with other forms of acquired brain injury in addition to TBI resulted in 852 additional titles, of which 5 met our inclusion criteria.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Interventions that targeted the caregiver primarily were more likely to provide benefit than those that targeted caregiver/survivor dyad or the survivor only. Many of the studies were limited by poor fidelity, low sample sizes, and high risk for bias based on randomization techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies of TBI caregivers should enroll a more generalizable number of participants and ensure adequate fidelity to properly compare interventions.

Identifying Important Attributes for Prognostic Prediction in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Background: Generally, traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients do not have a stable condition, particularly after the first week of TBI. Hence, indicating the attributes in prognosis through a prediction model is of utmost importance since it helps caregivers with treatment-decision options, or prepares the relatives for the most-likely outcome. Objectives: This study attempted to determine and order the attributes in prognostic prediction in TBI patients, based on early clinical findings. A hybrid method was employed, which combines a decision tree (DT) and an artificial neural network (ANN) in order to improve the modeling process. Methods: The DT approach was applied as the initial analysis of the network architecture to increase accuracy in prediction. Afterwards, the ANN structure was mapped from the initial DT based on a part of the data. Subsequently, the designed network was trained and validated by the remaining data. 5-fold cross-validation method was applied to train the network. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate were utilized as performance measures. The important attributes were then determined from the trained network using two methods: change of mean squared error (MSE), and sensitivity analysis (SA). Results: The hybrid method offered better results compared to the DT method. The accuracy rate of 86.3 % vs. 82.2 %, sensitivity value of 55.1 % vs. 47.6 %, specificity value of 93.6 % vs. 91.1 %, and the area under the ROC curve of 0.705 vs. 0.695 were achieved for the hybrid method and DT, respectively. However, the attributes’ order by DT method was more consistent with the clinical literature. Conclusions: The combination of different modeling methods can enhance their performance. However, it may create some complexities in computations and interpretations. The outcome of the present study could deliver some useful hints in prognostic prediction on the basis of early clinical findings for TBI patients.

The Bandung neurosurgery patient outcomes project, Indonesia (Part II): Patient pathways and feasibility and acceptability of telephone follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Support of neurosurgery patients following discharge from hospital is important. Currently, little is known about patients' in low- and middle-income countries before and after their hospital treatment. This companion paper reports patients' pathways before and after hospital admission and the feasibility of following up this ill-patient population by telephone.

METHODS

Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years admitted to the Neurosurgery Department in Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital-a regional referral hospital in Bandung City, Indonesia. Clinical data were collected on admission by clinicians. In-person interviews were undertaken with a clinical research nurse 1 to 2 days pre-discharge, and telephone follow-up interviews at 1, 2, and 3 months post-discharge. Information was also collected on pathways prior to admission and following discharge. The number of contact attempts for each patient interview was documented, as was the overall acceptability of undertaking a telephone interview.

RESULTS

Of 178 patients discharged from hospital, 12 later died. Of the remaining 166 patients, 95% were able to be followed up to 3 months. Two-thirds of patients had been referred from another hospital. Patients came from, and were discharged to, locations throughout the West Java region. At the 1-month interview, 84% participants reported that they had had a follow-up consultation with a health professional-mostly with a neurosurgeon.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that, with a neurosurgery nurse delegated to the role, it is feasible to conduct follow-up telephone interviews with patients after discharge from a neurosurgery ward and that in fact such follow-up was appreciated by patients.

Telephone Problem Solving for Service Members with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized, Clinical Trial

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common injury for service members in recent military conflicts. There is insufficient evidence of how best to treat the consequences of mTBI. In a randomized, clinical trial, we evaluated the efficacy of telephone-delivered problem-solving treatment (PST) on psychological and physical symptoms in 356 post-deployment active duty service members from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Members with medically confirmed mTBI sustained during deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan within the previous 24 months received PST or education-only (EO) interventions. The PST group received up to 12 biweekly telephone calls from a counselor for subject-selected problems. Both groups received 12 educational brochures describing common mTBI and post-deployment problems, with follow-up for all at 6 months (end of PST), and at 12 months. At 6 months, the PST group significantly improved on a measure of psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory; BSI-18) compared to the EO group (p = 0.005), but not on post-concussion symptoms (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire [RPQ]; p = 0.19), the two primary endpoints. However, these effects did not persist at 12-month follow-up (BSI, p = 0.54; RPQ, p = 0.45). The PST group also had significant short-term improvement on secondary endpoints, including sleep (p = 0.01), depression (p = 0.03), post-traumatic stress disorder (p = 0.04), and physical functioning (p = 0.03). Participants preferred PST over EO (p < 0.001). Telephone-delivered PST appears to be a well-accepted treatment that offers promise for reducing psychological distress after combat-related mTBI and could be a useful adjunct treatment post-mTBI. Further studies are required to determine how to sustain its effects. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01387490 https://clinicaltrials.gov ).

How Do Intensity and Duration of Rehabilitation Services Affect Outcomes From Severe Traumatic Brain Injury? A Natural Experiment Comparing Health Care Delivery Systems in 2 Developed Nations

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of inpatient and outpatient treatment intensity on functional and emotional well-being outcomes at 1 year after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

DESIGN

Prospective, quasiexperimental study comparing outcomes in a U.S. TBI treatment center with those in a Denmark (DK) center providing significantly greater intensity and duration of rehabilitation.

SETTING

Inpatient and outpatient TBI rehabilitation.

PARTICIPANTS

Persons with severe TBI (N=274).

INTERVENTIONS

Inpatient rehabilitation interventions were counted daily by discipline. Outpatient treatments were estimated per discipline using a structured interview administered to patients, caregivers, or both, at 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

FIM, Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended, Disability Rating Scale, Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools-Objective, Perceived Quality of Life, Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Brief Symptom Inventory-18-item version.

RESULTS

Despite identical inclusion criteria, patient severity on admission was greater at the DK site. After adjustment for patient/injury characteristics, there were no site differences in either functional or emotional outcome at 12 months. Significantly more inpatient plus outpatient treatment was administered to DK patients than to those in the U.S. For functional but not emotional treatments, more severely impaired patients received higher doses. One-year outcomes were predicted by admission severity, age, employment, and other baseline characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to expectation, DK patients who received significantly more rehabilitation services during the year after severe TBI did not differ in outcome from their less intensively treated U.S. counterparts, after adjusting for initial severity. The negative association of functional treatment dose with extent of early disability suggests that dose was driven by unmeasured factors reflecting need for services. Improved measures of injury-related factors driving treatment allocation are needed to model the independent effects of treatment on outcomes.

Depression Trajectories during the First Year after Traumatic Brain Injury

Major depression is prevalent after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and associated with poor outcomes. Little is known about the course of depression after TBI. Participants were 559 consecutively admitted patients with mild to severe TBI recruited from inpatient units at Harborview Medical Center, a Level I trauma center in Seattle, WA. Participants were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression measure at months 1-6, 8, 10, and 12 post-injury. We used linear latent class growth mixture modeling (LCGMM) of PHQ-9 total scores to identify homogeneous subgroups with distinct longitudinal trajectories. A four-class LCGMM had good fit indices and clinical interpretability. Trajectory groups were: low depression (70.1%), delayed depression (13.2%), depression recovery (10.4%), and persistent depression (6.3%). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to distinguish trajectory classes based on baseline demographic, psychiatric history, and clinical variables. Relative to the low depression group, the other three groups were consistently more likely to have a pre-injury history of other mental health disorders or major depressive disorder, a positive toxicology screen for cocaine or amphetamines at the time of injury, and a history of alcohol dependence. They were less likely to be on Medicare versus commercial insurance. Trajectories based on LCGMM are an empirical and clinically meaningful way to characterize distinct courses of depression after TBI. When combined with baseline predictors, this line of research may improve our ability to predict prognosis and target groups who may benefit from treatment or secondary prevention efforts (e.g., proactive telephone counseling).

Health-related quality of life after TBI: a systematic review of study design, instruments, measurement properties, and outcome

Measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQL) is essential to quantify the subjective burden of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in survivors. We performed a systematic review of HRQL studies in TBI to evaluate study design, instruments used, methodological quality, and outcome. Fifty-eight studies were included, showing large variation in HRQL instruments and assessment time points used. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) was most frequently used. A high prevalence of health problems during and after the first year of TBI was a common finding of the studies included. In the long term, patients with a TBI still showed large deficits from full recovery compared to population norms. Positive results for internal consistency and interpretability of the SF-36 were reported in validity studies. The Quality of Life after Brain Injury instrument (QOLIBRI), European Brain Injury Questionnaire (EBIQ), Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life short version (WHOQOL-BREF) showed positive results, but evidence was limited. Meta-analysis of SF-36 showed that TBI outcome is heterogeneous, encompassing a broad spectrum of HRQL, with most problems reported in the physical, emotional, and social functioning domain. The use of SF-36 in combination with a TBI-specific instrument, i.e., QOLIBRI, seems promising. Consensus on preferred methodologies of HRQL measurement in TBI would facilitate comparability across studies, resulting in improved insights in recovery patterns and better estimates of the burden of TBI.

Randomized controlled trials in adult traumatic brain injury: a review of compliance to CONSORT statement

OBJECTIVE

To describe the extent to which adherence to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) has improved over time.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to September 2013.

STUDY SELECTION

Primary report of RCTs in adult TBI. The quality of reporting on CONSORT checklist items was examined and compared over time. Study selection was conducted by 2 researchers independently. Any disagreements were solved by discussion.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction based on a set of structured data extraction forms. Data regarding the publication years, size, locations, participation centers, intervention types, intervention groups, and CONSORT checklist items were extracted from the including trials.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of 105 trials reviewed, 38.1%, 5.7%, and 32.4% investigated drugs, surgical procedures, and rehabilitations as the intervention of interest, respectively. Among reports published between the 2 periods 2002 and 2010 (n=51) and 2011 and September 2013 (n=16), the median sample sizes were 99 and 118; 39.2% and 37.5% of all reports detailed implementation of the randomization process; 60.8% and 43.8% provided information on the method of allocation concealment; 56.9% and 31.3% stated how blinding was achieved; 15.7% and 43.8% reported information regarding trial registration; and only 2.0% and 6.3% stated where the full trial protocol could be accessed, all respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Reporting of several important methodological aspects of RCTs conducted in adult TBI populations improved over the years; however, the quality of reporting remains below an acceptable level. The small sample sizes suggest that many RCTs are likely underpowered. Further improvement is recommended in designing and reporting RCTs.

Organising health care services for people with an acquired brain injury: an overview of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the leading cause of disability worldwide yet there is little information regarding the most effective way to organise ABI health care services. The aim of this review was to identify the most up-to-date high quality evidence to answer specific questions regarding the organisation of health care services for people with an ABI.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of English papers using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. We included the most recently published high quality systematic reviews and any randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials, controlled before after studies or interrupted time series studies published subsequent to the systematic review. We searched for papers that evaluated pre-defined organisational interventions for adults with an ABI. Organisational interventions of interest included fee-for-service care, integrated care, integrated care pathways, continuity of care, consumer engagement in governance and quality monitoring interventions. Data extraction and appraisal of included reviews and studies was completed independently by two reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of five systematic reviews and 21 studies were included in the review; eight of the papers (31%) included people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or ABI and the remaining papers (69%) included only participants with a diagnosis of stroke. We found evidence supporting the use of integrated care to improve functional outcome and reduce length of stay and evidence supporting early supported discharge teams for reducing morbidity and mortality and reducing length of stay for stroke survivors. There was little evidence to support case management or the use of integrated care pathways for people with ABI. We found evidence that a quality monitoring intervention can lead to improvements in process outcomes in acute and rehabilitation settings. We were unable to find any studies meeting our inclusion criteria regarding fee-for-service care or engaging consumers in the governance of the health care organisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The review found evidence to support integrated care, early supported discharge and quality monitoring interventions however, this evidence was based on studies conducted with people following stroke and may not be appropriate for all people with an ABI.

Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study

The objective was to assess the feasibility of delivering a group treatment to improve emotional regulation via videoconferencing to individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A pre-post feasibility study was undertaken. Seven individuals with TBI were recruited at a brain injury research centre in an urban medical centre. The main measures were therapist assessment of session-by-session progress and feasibility, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust Regulation of Emotions Questionnaire (BREQ), Satisfaction with Therapy and Therapist Scale (STTS), and exit interview. Attendance across sessions and participants was over 90%. Adequate skill acquisition and ease of use of the technology were demonstrated. Self-reported satisfaction with treatment was high. Participants noted several benefits in terms of the treatment delivery modality. There was no change is self-reported emotional dysregulation. This is the first study to report the use of videoconferencing for the delivery of group treatment to individuals with TBI. The exceptional compliance and self-reported satisfaction suggest that this treatment delivery option could be a viable alternative for increasing access to healthcare in this population. The findings of the study supported the development of a large clinical trial to assess treatment effectiveness.

The status of telerehabilitation in neurological applications

We systematically reviewed the evidence for the effectiveness of tele-neurorehabilitation (TNR) applications. The review included recent reports on rehabilitation for any disability associated with a neurological deficit or condition. Study quality was assessed using an approach that considered both study performance and study design. Judgements were made on whether each application had been successful, and whether further data were needed to establish the application as suitable for routine use. Nineteen credible studies that reported patient outcomes or administrative changes were identified. These studies related to 13 conditions. The focus of rehabilitation included Internet-supported treatments for management of fatigue, pain and depression; promotion of physical activity; and speech therapy. Sixteen studies were of high or good quality and three were fair to good, with some limitations. In 13 of the 19 studies the TNR application was successful in providing at least equivalent outcomes to conventional approaches. Additional work would be needed on eight applications to establish suitability for routine use, and would be desirable in five. Thus the recent literature provides further support for TNR applications, showing the promise of this field in a number of areas. However, the database of credible studies remains small.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prevalence of post-TBI depression (PTBID) ranges from 12 to 60% and is generally higher than rates reported in the general population. The wide range in reported rates is attributed to methodological variability across studies, including measurement and sampling differences. Several systematic reviews have been published in the past 5 years, reporting on outcomes for depression across different classes of interventions, including pharmacological, biomedical and behavioural. The consensus across reviews is that more research is necessary to develop evidence-based practice guidelines. The present narrative review synthesises the findings of previous studies, focusing on the nature of the interventions, the eligibility criteria for inclusion and the assessment of outcome. Pharmacological studies are generally more rigorous methodologically, but provide mixed findings. Other biomedical interventions are only at the initial stages of research development, including case and pilot studies. The results of behavioural studies are positive regarding improvements in mood. However, the number of efficacy studies of behavioural interventions for depression is extremely limited. Recommendations for designing interventions are provided.

Telerehabilitation for addressing executive dysfunction after traumatic brain injury

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of implementing the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance approach (CO-OP) in a telerehabilitation format and to examine its impact on community integration and executive dysfunction for adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

RESEARCH DESIGN

A pilot series of three case studies with 3-month follow-up was conducted.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Three adults (all males, >10 years post-TBI) and their significant others were recruited. The CO-OP intervention, a meta-cognitive approach, was delivered through videoconferencing via Internet to train three of five participant-identified goals. Two goals were not trained to allow examination of transfer. Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 Participation Index, and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was used.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The CO-OP approach administered in a telerehabilitation format was found to be feasible. All participants indicated self-reported improvement in both trained and untrained goals. Trends toward fewer symptoms of executive dysfunction and greater community integration were demonstrated. All participants expressed satisfaction with the Internet delivery method.

CONCLUSIONS

Telerehabilitation shows promise as a way to deliver the CO-OP approach and may help promote community integration of individuals living with TBI. Further study is warranted.

Analyzing the ingredients of a telephone counseling intervention for traumatic brain injury

PURPOSE

To develop reliable coding for five treatment ingredients hypothesized to be "active" in a scheduled telephone intervention (STI) for traumatic brain injury (TBI); to examine factors associated with delivery of ingredients over the first year post-injury.

METHOD

Operational definitions of directive and non-directive action planning; TBI education; reinforcement; and reframing, were refined until kappa >0.80 across multiple coders. Codes were assigned for presence/absence of ingredients in 253 recorded calls delivered to 49 participants in a randomized controlled trial on effects of STI versus usual care. Using multivariate analyses, we tested hypotheses about effects of TBI severity, time and other factors on delivery of ingredients.

RESULTS

Longitudinal analyses revealed that TBI education decreased over time, as expected. Non-directive action planning increased over time, according to hypotheses; unexpectedly, directive action planning did not concurrently decline. Reinforcement and reframing both increased over time, with reframing also increasing with TBI severity. Therapist differences were pronounced, despite extensive supervision designed to promote uniform treatment delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Reliable operational definitions of therapist behavior for each ingredient were achieved, but at the sacrifice of sensitivity in the coding scheme. Behavioral operational definitions of ingredients may be useful for treatment specification, for therapist training and supervision, and for testing hypotheses about the strength of specific components within the "black box" of rehabilitation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

Operationally defining active ingredients of rehabilitation can allow measurement of adherence to specified treatment protocols, and can facilitate the study of the relationship between delivery of specific ingredients and resulting outcomes. In this study, there were strong differences in delivery of ingredients by different clinicians despite frequent joint supervision and a shared treatment philosophy. Defining active ingredients in advance may help focus training and supervision on specific clinician behaviors that convey key ingredients of treatment. Complex treatments such as counseling, where the therapist's behavior is partly determined by the client's behavior and vice versa, are particularly challenging to define operationally since the opportunity to deliver certain ingredients varies with the problems the client presents and the way they are presented.