ABSTRACT
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To examine the utility of a coordinated, family/community-focused programme (PABICOP) vs. a standard approach for improving outcomes for children with ABI and their families. RESEARCH DESIGN: Pre-test-post-test design, with comparison group and follow-up. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Ninety-six children (64 children receiving PABICOP services and 32 children receiving standard care) participated in the study. Measures were completed at baseline and 3 and 12 months later. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Parents/caregivers with more than 10 contacts with PABICOP scored significantly higher on an ABI knowledge quiz than either parents/caregivers with 10 contacts or less or the comparison group at post-test and follow-up. Parents/caregivers with 10 contacts or less with PABICOP reported significantly greater improvements in children's school and total competence on the CBCL than either parents/caregivers with more than 10 contacts or the comparison group at post-test and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: PABICOP may be more useful for enhancing knowledge of ABI for parents/caregivers and for integrating children into the community over a 1-year period than a standard approach. The amount of service received appears to influence outcomes.
Subject(s)
Brain Damage, Chronic/rehabilitation , Child Health Services/organization & administration , Community Health Services/organization & administration , Adolescent , Attitude to Health , Brain Damage, Chronic/psychology , Child , Child Behavior Disorders/etiology , Child, Preschool , Delivery of Health Care, Integrated , Family/psychology , Family Health , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Infant , Male , Ontario , Program Evaluation , Psychometrics , Rehabilitation Centers , Socioeconomic Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Community Outreach Program - an innovative, comprehensive model of care for children and youth with an acquired brain injury is described. The background to the formation of the idea is delineated and the current function of the model given. Future directions are discussed. The program addresses the needs and issues of children and youth with an acquired brain injury and their families. Subsequent literature supports the concept of care that this program espouses.