Prediction of community integration and vocational outcome 2-5 years after traumatic brain injury rehabilitation in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To predict community integration and vocational outcomes 2-5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI).


METHODS
Multivariate correlational design incorporating retrospective data collection and questionnaire follow-up.


METHODS
Four hundred and forty six patients admitted to a Head Injury Unit between 1991 and 1995 were contacted. Data on predictor variables (demographic, injury severity and functional) were retrieved from hospital records. Community integration and vocational outcome was assessed by self-administered questionnaire. Two hundred and nine patients/carers completed and returned the questionnaires. Mean follow-up was 3.5 years. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, multiple regression and discriminant analysis using SPSS.


RESULTS
Community integration was predicted by age, disability level and cognition. Length of PTA, cognition, disability levels, GCS, functional status, length of acute stay and prior occupation discriminated those who returned to work. A total of 46.5% returned to work with 74.5% in the same or similar jobs.


CONCLUSIONS
Long term outcomes post-TBI can be predicted by demographic, injury severity and functional status variables.
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. J.Fleming@mailbox.uq.edu.au
J
J
Fleming
L
L
Tooth
M
M
Hassell
W
W
Chan
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires