Welcome to the Family Support after Brain Injury project page.
TBI represents a significant public health problem, necessitating costly medical and social supports over the lifespan of the injured individual. Direct and indirect costs are estimated at over $56 billion annually. Changes in healthcare reimbursement and social service funding have left the responsibility for providing these supports resting on the affected families. Currently no comprehensive, accessible tool exists to assist families affected by TBI to become informed about and manage the complex challenges of TBI. Interactive multimedia (IMM) has been shown to be effective in providing the type of specific video-based training needed by families supporting a loved one with TBI.
This three-year project developed and evaluated the efficacy of such a tool–an interactive, web-based information and training program to improve family member knowledge and skill in supporting a loved one experiencing cognitive, behavioral, and social challenges. The Family Support after Brain Injury site was developed, tested and revised in partnership with a national group of consultants, family members, individuals with TBI, researchers, and practitioners. Product testing occurred across three phases, culminating in a randomized control trial with a national sample of family members of individuals with TBI.
Funded by the US Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.