Intro, Timelines & Criteria

Introduction

Over 10,000 Albertans suffer a brain injury each year; many individuals are left with a life changing disability, which has a devastating, permanent impact on them. Those who are severely disabled but show identifiable progress in the first six months following their injury have a range of rehabilitation services available. Some make a good recovery but many do not, remaining in one of several states known collectively as “disorders of consciousness” (DOC) (Bernat 2006). For the slower-to-recover individuals who do not progress as quickly and at times remain in a minimally responsive state, Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI) is the only rehabilitation option available in Alberta. ARBI is a unique, community-based organization that strives to improve the quality of life of individuals with severe acquired brain injury through long-term personalized rehabilitation and community integration. ARBI is the only program in Canada that offers long-term rehabilitation and follow-up for those with DOC. The assessment of such patients is extremely difficult leading to frequent misdiagnoses and confusion about precise definitions. (Andrews et al. 1996; Childs et al. 1003) Behavioural assessment methods remain the gold standard for patients with DOC. (Giancino and Smart 2007). ARBI’s team of therapists found that existing measures lacked sufficient sensitivity to detect change and did not adequately address function of individuals with DOC. In 2002, they developed the “Comprehensive Assessment Measure for Minimally Responsive Individuals” (CAMMRI). Accurate measurement of the small incremental changes in this population results in personalized rehabilitation programs focused on the individuals behavioural responses. With reliable tracking of an individual’s consistent response patterns, communication and/or environmental control systems can often be established. The ability to communicate their needs and to exert more control over their environment significantly impacts their quality of life. Accurate measurement is also essential for rehabilitation program planning and resource allocation. For 32 years, ARBI has witnessed that individuals who receive ongoing rehabilitation continue to progress for years following injury despite poor prognoses in the early stages of recovery.

Timelines

Phase I – 2003-2006, completed - Development of the measurement tool
Phase II – 2007, completed Pre-Pilot Testing
Phase III – 2008-2010, completed Formal Pilot Testing Part 1 and initial data analysis
Phase IV – 2011, ongoing Formal Pilot Testing – Part 2 including clients throughout the province of Alberta.

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 18 - 65
• History of severe brain injury secondary to trauma, anoxia, or cerebral vascular accident;
• Current functioning at Rancho Level II or III  (Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning Scale);
• Must be medically stable

More Subject Needed

At this time, we are seeking more potential clients interested in participating in this research project. For more information, please contact Research Leader Ana Gollega at ana@arbi.ca