Perceived needs following traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
(1) Provide population-based estimates of perceived needs following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the prevalence of unmet needs 1 year postinjury; (2) identify relations among needs that define unique clusters of individuals; and (3) identify risk factors for experiencing selected needs.


METHODS
Telephone survey 1 year after injury of a prospective cohort of all people hospitalized with TBI in the state of Colorado during 2000.


METHODS
Self-reported need for assistance in 13 areas of functioning.


RESULTS
A total of 58.8% of persons hospitalized with TBI experienced at least 1 need during the year following injury; 40.2% will experience at least 1 unmet need 1 year after injury. Most frequently experienced needs were "improving your memory, solving problems better" (34.1%), "managing stress, emotional upsets" (27.9%), and "managing your money, paying bills" (23.3%). Cluster analysis revealed 8 distinctive groupings of subjects. If a need existed, those least likely to be met involved cognitive abilities, employment, and alcohol and/or drug use.


CONCLUSIONS
Results were consistent with findings from previous assessments of need for services based on surveys of convenience samples; however, the prevalence of unmet needs 1 year after injury may be higher than previously suspected. More post-hospital services addressing cognitive and emotional problems appear needed. Risk factors for experiencing needs suggest potential avenues for clinical intervention.
Corrigan
John D
JD
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dodd Hall, Ohio State University, 480 W. 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. corrigan.1@osu.edu
Whiteneck
Gale
G
Mellick
Dave
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D032763:Behavior Control; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003071:Cognition; D003625:Data Collection; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological