Towards a disability-oriented epidemiology of traumatic brain injury

Author(s): Mulder, T., Keyser, A.

Journal/Book: Disabil Rehabil. 1996; 18: One Gundpowder Square, London, England EC4A 3DE. Taylor & Francis Ltd London. 181-190.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of using a disability-oriented approach to the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in order to improve health administration by preventing long-term sequelae. The epidemiology of disease was established by a registration system of inpatients which covers more than 99% of all hospital admissions in The Netherlands. Some international differences and national trends are discussed. The disability-related epidemiology was investigated by means of structured interviews, 3-7 years after the injury, in a clustered sample of 51 patients with major TBI according to the ICD-9-CM. The survey included evaluation scales such as the Sickness Impact Profile, the Barthel Index, and a Disability Rating Questionnaire. Concerning the disease-related epidemiological data, the overwhelming majority of all TBI patients went home, which suggests good recovery. Nevertheless, the disability-oriented research revealed long-term situational, cognitive and behavioural disabilities in at least 67% of the major-TBI population, whereas only 10% received any rehabilitation services at all after the acute-care period. It is concluded that preventive measures and a comprehensive service for brain injury survivors should be based both on disease and disability-oriented data.

Note: Article HGG Vanbalen, St Maartens Clin, Dept Res & Dev, POB 9011, 6500 GM Nijmegen, Netherlands

Keyword(s): epidemiology; functional recovery; traumatic brain injury; SICKNESS IMPACT PROFILE; HEALTH-STATUS MEASURE; HEAD-INJURY; FAMILY

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