Acute cognitive and neurobehavioural intervention for individuals with acquired brain injury: preliminary outcome data

Abstract

The present study provides a rationale for and detailed description of a structured curriculum for a cognitive and neurobehavioural group intervention for patients in an acute inpatient brain injury rehabilitation setting. Preliminary outcome data are provided for 29 patients with acquired brain injuries who attended the group during inpatient rehabilitation. The group was held during three 30-minute sessions per week. Prior to discharge, patients completed a Learning Assessment, which assessed their level of knowledge about the material covered during the course. Patients received a mean score of 85.54 on the Learning Assessment. High scores on the Learning Assessment correlated significantly with discharge Disability Rating Scale total and Social Interaction FIM scores. Age, level of education, race, sex, and length of stay did not significantly impact these results. Results suggest that patients with acquired brain injuries benefit from acute cognitive and neurobehavioural intervention and are capable of learning compensatory strategies, even in the acute stages of recovery. This learning may help improve functional status, especially skills needed for psychosocial adjustment.