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Research Article  |   May 2007
Gaining Insight Into Patients’ Perspectives on Participation in Home Management Activities After Traumatic Brain Injury
Janet M. Powell; Nancy R. Temkin; Joan E. Machamer; Sureyya S. Dikmen
Author Affiliations
  • Janet M. Powell, PhD, OT, is Assistant Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 N. E. Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195; jmpowell@u.washington.edu
  • Nancy R. Temkin, PhD, is Professor, Departments of Neurological Surgery and Biostatistics, and Adjunct Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington
  • Joan E. Machamer, MA, is Research Scientist, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington
  • Sureyya S. Dikmen, PhD, is Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, and Adjunct Professor, Departments of Neurological Surgery and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Traumatic Brain Injury / Participation by Adults With Physical Dysfunction
Research Article   |   May 2007
Gaining Insight Into Patients’ Perspectives on Participation in Home Management Activities After Traumatic Brain Injury
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2007, Vol. 61, 269-279. doi:10.5014/ajot.61.3.269
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2007, Vol. 61, 269-279. doi:10.5014/ajot.61.3.269
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study investigated performance of home management activities 1 year after traumatic brain injury (TBI), as reported on the Functional Status Examination.

METHOD. Home management performance of 164 rehabilitation inpatients (mean age 35.4 years, 77% men, 75% white) with moderate to severe TBI was examined in relation to demographics, injury severity, neuropsychological functioning, and living situation.

RESULTS. Fifty-nine percent reported more difficulty or more assistance with home management at 1 year. Nonperformance of individual activities before injury ranged from 16% to 76%. Age (p = .001), living situation after injury (p = .002), and neuropsychological function at 1 year (p = .001) were associated with more limited home management performance after injury as compared to premorbid function.

CONCLUSIONS. Home management is challenging 1 year after TBI, especially for older adults and those with greater cognitive impairments. Accurate preinjury information is needed to determine the nature and extent of subsequent losses, guide treatment planning and interventions, and characterize recovery of function.