[Outcome of the Aquitaine Unit for Evaluation, Training and Social and Vocational Counselling (UEROS) at 5-year follow-up in young adults with brain damage].
BACKGROUND
Difficulties in social and vocational adjustment are common in adults with brain damage. A French government-funded program, UEROS (Unit for Evaluation, Training and Social and Vocational Counselling), was developed to improve cognitive adjustment, social autonomy and return to work for these people.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the outcome and satisfaction with life after 5 years for patients who participated in the UEROS-Aquitaine network program.


METHODS
EBIS Document to evaluate people with traumatic brain injury.


RESULTS
Seventy-five of the 102 patients participating in UEROS from 1997 to 1999 were assessed during a phone-structured interview based on the EBIS Document. The sample consisted of young adults (mean age 28.5 years), most (65, 85%) with brain injury and moderate disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale 2: 57%) or severe disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale 3: 42%). On entering the program, 33% of the subjects needed no help physically or cognitively. None were employed. At the end of the program, 9% were students or were learning a job, 8% worked full-time, 16% were in sheltered conditions, and 13% had volunteer activities. At 5-year follow-up, 50% of the subjects were independent, 4% were in school, 10.6% worked full-time, and 26.7% were in sheltered conditions. Playing sports was associated with good social adjustment. The professional status at 5 years was significantly correlated with following the UEROS program (r=0.30, P<0.01) and status at the end of the program (r=0.29, P<0.05). However, 41.3% of the subjects were still unsatisfied with their conditions of life.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with brain damage, the UEROS-Aquitaine network program improves independence in daily living and allows for nearly one inactive adult in two (42%) to be engaged in an activity or a job.
Le Gall
C
C
Réseau UEROS-Aquitaine, France.
Lamothe
G
G
Mazaux
J-M
JM
Muller
F
F
Debelleix
X
X
Richer
E
E
Joseph
P-A
PA
Barat
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational