Journal Article Details

Citation:
Texler, L. E., Texler, L. C., Malec, J. F., Klyce, D., & Parrott, D. (2010). Prospective randomized controlled trial of resource facilitation on community participation and vocational outcome following brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 25 (6), 440-446.
Title:
Prospective randomized controlled trial of resource facilitation on community participation and vocational outcome following brain injury
Authors:
Texler, L. E., Texler, L. C., Malec, J. F., Klyce, D., & Parrott, D.
Year:
2010
Journal/Publication: 
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
Publisher:
Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins Inc.
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
Yes
Research design:
Randomized controlled trial

Structured abstract:

Background:
Brain injury has a negative impact on return to work. Past research indicates improved employment outcomes with an integrated medical/vocational case coordination system.
Purpose:
The researchers hypothesized that individuals with brain injury who receive resource facilitation (RF) will have greater success with return to work and participation in community and home activities.
Setting:
The setting was a large acute rehabilitation hospital, located in the Mid-West.
Study sample:
The sample size included 23 individuals with brain-injury and their caregivers. To be included in the study those with brain injury had to meet the following criteria:injury in the last 12 months or less, 18 to 60 years of age, ability to speak English, had been employed and/or had been enrolled in school for 2 years prior to the injury, had a goal to return-to-work or school and had a caregiver who was willing to participate in the study.
Intervention:
All participants received standard follow up. Those assigned to the experimental group also received resource facilitation through a facilitator who was charged with assisting them with returning to work.
Control or comparison condition:
Participants were assigned to either a resource facilitation group N=12 or regular follow up control conditions N=11.
Data collection & analysis:
Participants were given O-Log and the C-Log, as part of their clinical examination in the acute rehabilitation center prior to enrollment to determine the initial severity of cognitive impairment. Ratings on the Participation Index of the Mayo- Portland Adaptability Inventory (M2PI) were obtained for 11 RF participants and 11 controls before the intervention and at 6-month follow-up.
Findings:
Resource facilitation can improve work outcomes. Those who received resource facilitation were more engaged in vocational services. It also had a positive impact on participants involvement in community and home activities. Resource facilitation does not appear to affect depression.
Conclusions:
Six months of resource facilitation, provided soon after patient discharge from acute rehabilitation, may have a powerful impact on employment post brain injury and community participation. More research is needed.
Disabilities served:
Cerebral vascular accident (stroke)
Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Populations served:
Gender: Female and Male
Interventions:
Other
Outcomes:
Return to work