Milieu-based neurorehabilitation in patients with traumatic brain injury: outcome at up to 11 years postdischarge.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the rate of productivity and competitive activity in participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at a milieu-based day treatment neurorehabilitation program.


METHODS
Follow-up data in a cross-sectional design sought from all admissions from May 1986 to May 1998 at 3 months and at year 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.


METHODS
Outpatient milieu-based interdisciplinary day treatment program.


METHODS
One hundred twelve participants with TBI, representing 78.9% of TBI patients successfully discharged from the program.


METHODS
Milieu-based interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation (mean length of treatment, 6.2 mo).


METHODS
Productivity, defined as gainful employment, school, and/or volunteer work, and competitive activity, defined as work for pay or enrollment in school.


RESULTS
88.4% of patients were productive up to 11 years after discharge, with 76.8% engaged in competitive activity and with no decline in productivity seen over time from discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
A large majority of patients suffering from TBI are able to return to work or a productive life situation after milieu-based neurorehabilitation. Level of outcome did not significantly decline over an 11-year follow-up interval.
Klonoff
P S
PS
Catholic Healthcare West, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Lamb
D G
DG
Henderson
S W
SW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001130:Arizona; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D004526:Efficiency; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012931:Social Environment; D013995:Time; D016896:Treatment Outcome