title: Evaluation of the traumatic brain injury early referral programme in Missouri.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Missouri's traumatic brain injury (TBI) early referral programme connects individuals with TBI to state services in the acute stages of recovery. This study evaluated the impact of this programme on service utilization and functional outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-seven individuals in the Early Referral (ER) programme were compared with 31 individuals who received services later in their recovery (controls) in terms of their functioning upon programme enrollment and programme services received. Telephone surveys were then completed with 29 ER and 22 later-referred controls assessing social/emotional and vocational functioning, as well as satisfaction with programme services.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ER group had greater functional limitations than controls upon enrollment. Despite this, at follow-up the ER group evidenced significantly better social integration, emotional well-being and vocational functioning than the control group. Individuals in the ER group did not require/receive more programme resources to achieve these better outcomes. Across both groups, 91% reported feeling the programme is valuable for individuals with TBI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Missouri's TBI early referral programme provides efficacious and cost-effective targeted support for individuals with TBI. Contact with clients and their families during or shortly after acute rehabilitation appears to be associated with better functional outcomes without an increase in the level of services rendered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia 65212, USA. reidarndts@health.missouri.edu
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Reid-Arndt
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schopp
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brenneke
authors.forename: Brick
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Johnstone
authors.forename: A Diane
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Poole
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003153:Community Health Services; D005260:Female; D006078:Government Programs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000379:methods*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile