A preliminary investigation of the brain injury family intervention: impact on family members.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the benefits of the Brain Injury Family Intervention (BIFI) for families of persons with acquired brain injury and identify factors related to outcomes.


METHODS
Pre-test, post-test design with outcomes measured immediately after and 3 months following intervention.


METHODS
Family members and survivors participated in five 2-hour sessions over 10 weeks which included discussions of typical effects of brain injury, coping with loss and change, managing stress and intense emotions, effective problem-solving, setting reasonable goals and taking care of one's self. Guided by principles of family systems theory (FST) and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), the manualized treatment included educational, skill building and psychological support components.


RESULTS
Analysis of data derived from family members indicated a greater number of met needs and perceptions of fewer obstacles to receiving services post-treatment and at 3 months follow-up. Before and after treatment, unmarried caregivers reported more unmet needs. Family members of persons with longer acute care lengths of stay reported more unmet needs and greater perceived obstacles to services. Post-treatment differences in family members' psychological distress, satisfaction with life and functioning were not identified.


CONCLUSIONS
The investigation provided evidence that family members benefit from interventions designed to meet their unique needs after brain injury. Uncertainties remain about the benefits of intervention to general family functioning and life satisfaction.
Kreutzer
Jeffrey S
JS
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
Stejskal
Taryn M
TM
Ketchum
Jessica M
JM
Marwitz
Jennifer H
JH
Taylor
Laura A
LA
Menzel
Jennifer C
JC
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult