'Participate to learn': a promising practice for community ABI rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To identify best practices and promising practices to enhance participation in meaningful and productive activities.


METHODS
An electronic search of the ABI rehabilitation research literature since 1990 yielded 974 articles of which 30 focused on interventions that targeted participation and evaluated effectiveness using direct measures of participation. Three reviewers rated these articles according to the standards set out by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Following the systematic review, an interpretive review of the same articles was completed.


RESULTS
Only three studies were rated as strong. No best practices were identified. Three promising practices found some support. The interpretive review suggested 'Participate to learn' as a useful rehabilitation model. The model rests on roles as goals, learning by experience in real-life contexts and the use of personal and environmental support to enable participation.


CONCLUSIONS
'Participate to learn' is both a credible rehabilitation model and deserving of more study.
Carlson
Peter M
PM
Regional Community Brain Injury Services, Providence Continuing Care Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada. carlsonp@pccchealth.org
Boudreau
Mary Lou
ML
Davis
John
J
Johnston
Jane
J
Lemsky
Carolyn
C
McColl
Mary Ann
MA
Minnes
Patricia
P
Smith
Claire
C
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D011364:Professional Practice