title: Implementation of resource facilitation to assess referral needs and promote access to state vocational rehabilitation services in people with traumatic brain injury.
abstract: Resource facilitation (RF) has shown promise for improving return to work (RTW) after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but little is known about the RF needs of people recruited from acute trauma settings. In this descriptive study, we sought to track referral needs, describe problems in accessing state vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and highlight the role of RF in overcoming these difficulties in 45 adults with complicated mild to severe TBI seeking RTW who were recruited from acute trauma care. Participants received a referral to the state VR agency, along with RF services for up to one year. Case coordinators (CCs) conducted biweekly assessments, provided referrals, and helped address problems in accessing services. On average 4.92 referrals were generated per participant; 91% required referrals. CCs made 44% of referrals, while physicians/other healthcare professionals generated 33% and VR counsellors generated 23%. CCs filled a gap in referring for financial and transportation difficulties. Two case studies illustrate implementation of the RF paradigm. RF provides systematic assessment and referral for services needed to facilitate utilisation of state VR services. Among persons with TBI recruited from acute trauma settings in the US, CCs provide referrals that are often not generated by other sources.
authors: a Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann , Houston , TX , USA.
authors: Lynne C
authors: LC
authors: Davis
authors: b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation & Beth K. & Stuart C. Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry , Baylor College of Medicine and Harris Health System, Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann , Houston , TX , USA.
authors: Angelle M
authors: AM
authors: Sander
authors: a Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann , Houston , TX , USA.
authors: Jay A
authors: JA
authors: Bogaards
authors: c Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Health Professions , The University of Texas Medical Branch, Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann , Galveston , TX , USA.
authors: Monique R
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4742-4380
authors: MR
authors: Pappadis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000070642:Brain Injuries, Traumatic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000379:methods*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D062707:Return to Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Traumatic brain injury; referral needs; resource facilitation; return to work; vocational rehabilitation