Cognitive rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury: a pilot programme of goal planning and outdoor adventure course participation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and evaluate a pilot community based rehabilitation programme for severe brain injury.


METHODS
A prospective repeated-measures design with a single convenience sample was conducted.


METHODS
Eleven participants with a history of severe brain injury completed the programme, which featured an outdoor adventure course, skill development and goal-based learning. In the first stage, practical activities facilitated the development of social skills, group cohesiveness and community integration. The second stage was a 9-day outdoor adventure course, which included physically challenging activities such as camping, bushwalking, abseiling, caving and high rope work. The third stage encouraged individuals to work on the personal goals they had developed.


RESULTS
Over 80% of stated goals were achieved; suggesting that such a programme may be effective in enabling clients to attain specified goals.


CONCLUSIONS
The programme shows promise as a form of community rehabilitation.
Walker
Alexandra J
AJ
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. awalker@biru.wsahs.nsw.gov.au
Onus
Margaret
M
Doyle
Margaret
M
Clare
Jennifer
J
McCarthy
Kathleen
K
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation