Evaluation of the traumatic brain injury early referral programme in Missouri.
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.
Reid-Arndt
Stephanie A
SA
Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia 65212, USA. reidarndts@health.missouri.edu
Schopp
Laura
L
Brenneke
Lori
L
Johnstone
Brick
B
Poole
A Diane
AD
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