Population-based estimates of outcomes after hospitalization for traumatic brain injury in Colorado

Abstract

Objective: To determine statewide, population-based outcomes of persons hospitalized with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at 1 year postinjury.

Design: Follow-up survey of a representative cohort.

Setting: A statewide, population-based registry and follow-up system for persons hospitalized with TBI.

Participants: A total of 1591 adult Coloradoans with moderate and severe injury oversampled, but weighted to be representative of persons hospitalized with TBI (1996-1999) who survived their injuries and completed follow-up telephone interviews at 1 year postinjury.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: Checklists of symptoms and service utilization, the FIM instrument trade mark, the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique Short Form, a single-item quality of life (QOL) measure, and a needs assessment checklist.

Results: Problematic outcomes occurring at 1 year postinjury included one third or more being bothered by fatigue, feeling irritable or grouchy, having headaches, and experiencing trouble sleeping more frequently than preinjury; 37% reported needing the assistance of another person in physical and/or cognitive activities of daily living; substantial participation restrictions were noted in areas of occupation (30%) and social integration (22%); and 29% responded that their QOL was only fair or poor. Negative outcomes were reported more frequently among individuals who were more severely injured, older, or female.

Conclusions: Substantial percentages of people hospitalized with TBI in a population-based sample reported a variety of problematic outcomes at 1 year postinjury.