Treatment efficacy of social communication skills training after traumatic brain injury: a randomized treatment and deferred treatment controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a replicable group treatment program to improve social communication skills after traumatic brain injury (TBI).


METHODS
Randomized treatment and deferred treatment controlled trial, with follow-up at 3, 6, and 9 months post-treatment.


METHODS
Community.


METHODS
Volunteer sample of 52 people with TBI who were at least 1 year postinjury, who received rehabilitation, and who had identified social communication deficits.


METHODS
Twelve weekly group sessions (1.5 h each) to improve social communication.


METHODS
The Profile of Functional Impairment in Communication (PFIC), Social Communication Skills Questionnaire-Adapted (SCSQ-A), Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique-Short Form social integration and occupation subscales, Community Integration Questionnaire social integration and productivity subscales, and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS).


RESULTS
Independent samples t test analysis showed significant treatment effect compared with no treatment on 7 of 10 of the PFIC subscales (P range, .024 to <.001) and the SCSQ-A (P=.005) after the first 12 weeks of the study. After 12 weeks of treatment for all participants, repeated-measures analysis showed significant improvements from baseline on 9 of 10 PFIC subscales (P range, .01-.001), SCSQ-A (P < or = .001), GAS (P < or = .001), and SWLS (P = .011). At 6-month follow-up, scores were significantly better than baseline on 6 of 10 PFIC scales (P range, .01-.001), the SCSQ-A (P < or = .001), GAS (P < or = .001), and SWLS (P < or = .001).


CONCLUSIONS
TBI subjects who received social communication skills training had improved communication skills that were maintained on follow-up. Overall life satisfaction for participants was improved.
Research Department, Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO 80113, USA. cdahlberg@craighospital.org
Cynthia A
CA
Dahlberg
Christopher P
CP
Cusick
Lenore A
LA
Hawley
Jody K
JK
Newman
Clare E
CE
Morey
Cynthia L
CL
Harrison-Felix
Gale G
GG
Whiteneck
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome