Relationship of Caregiver and Family Functioning to Participation Outcomes After Postacute Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury: A Multicenter Investigation

Sander AM, Maestas KL, Sherer M, Malec JF, Nakase-Richardson R. Relationship of caregiver and family functioning to participation outcomes after postacute rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury: a multicenter investigation.ObjectiveTo investigate the contribution of caregiver emotional functioning and family functioning to participation outcomes after postacute rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury (TBI).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThree postacute comprehensive-integrated postacute rehabilitation programs associated with National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research–funded TBI Model Systems Centers.ParticipantsPersons with medically documented TBI (N=136; 57% with severe TBI, 12% moderate, 31% mild), primarily men and 69% white.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresCommunity Integration Questionnaire and Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART).ResultsAfter accounting for age, education, sex, and race/ethnicity, there was a significant interaction between caregiver emotional functioning and time since injury for CHART Occupation and Social Integration Scale scores. Better emotional functioning in caregivers was associated with greater occupation and social integration outcomes for persons who entered the postacute rehabilitation program within 6 months of injury, but not for those >6 months postinjury. There was no relationship of family functioning to participation outcomes, and no interaction between family functioning and time since injury.ConclusionsCaregiver distress should be accounted for in studies investigating the effectiveness of postacute rehabilitation after TBI. Screening of caregivers early during postacute rehabilitation can target those who need assistance to improve their support of the person with TBI.