An evaluation of the paediatric acquired brain injury community outreach programme (PABICOP).
OBJECTIVE
To examine the utility of a coordinated, family/community-focused programme (PABICOP) vs. a standard approach for improving outcomes for children with ABI and their families.


METHODS
Pre-test-post-test design, with comparison group and follow-up.


METHODS
Ninety-six children (64 children receiving PABICOP services and 32 children receiving standard care) participated in the study. Measures were completed at baseline and 3 and 12 months later.


RESULTS
Parents/caregivers with more than 10 contacts with PABICOP scored significantly higher on an ABI knowledge quiz than either parents/caregivers with 10 contacts or less or the comparison group at post-test and follow-up. Parents/caregivers with 10 contacts or less with PABICOP reported significantly greater improvements in children's school and total competence on the CBCL than either parents/caregivers with more than 10 contacts or the comparison group at post-test and follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
PABICOP may be more useful for enhancing knowledge of ABI for parents/caregivers and for integrating children into the community over a 1-year period than a standard approach. The amount of service received appears to influence outcomes.
McDougall
Janette
J
Thames Valley Children's Centre, London, Ontario, Canada. janettem@tvcc.on.ca
Servais
Michelle
M
Sommerfreund
Joy
J
Rosen
Ellen
E
Gillett
Jane
J
Gray
Janice
J
Somers
Sara
S
Frid
Pamela
P
Dewit
David
D
Pearlman
Lisa
L
Hicock
Frances
F
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011594:Psychometrics; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome