Three-Year Follow-Up Results of a Residential Community Reintegration Program for Patients With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury

Geurtsen GJ, van Heugten CM, Martina JD, Rietveld AC, Meijer R, Geurts AC. Three-year follow-up results of a residential community reintegration program for patients with chronic acquired brain injury.ObjectiveTo evaluate outcomes of a residential community reintegration program 3 years after treatment on independent living, societal participation, emotional well-being, and quality of life in patients with chronic acquired brain injury and psychosocial problems hampering societal participation.DesignA follow-up assessment 3 years after treatment was compared with the 1-year follow-up assessment in a prospective cohort study.SettingA tertiary rehabilitation center for acquired brain injury.ParticipantsOf the 67 patients assessed at the 1-year follow-up, 63 subjects (94%; 42 men; mean age at admission to treatment 24.7y; mean time postonset 5.1y) were available at the 3-year follow-up and taken into account in the analyses.InterventionA structured residential treatment program directed at improving independence in domestic life, work, leisure time, and social interactions.Main Outcome MeasuresCommunity Integration Questionnaire, Employability Rating Scale, living situation, school, work situation, work hours, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated (5 scales).ResultsThere were no significant differences for any of the outcome measures between the 1-year and 3-year follow-up assessment.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the established significant and clinically relevant improvements after a residential community reintegration program remain stable in the long term.