Living with brain injury in the community: Outcomes from a community-based self-management support (CB-SMS) programme in Australia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of a community-based self-management support (CB-SMS) programme for people with acquired brain injury delivered across multiple communities in Queensland, Australia. Design: A longitudinal study. Participants: A prospective cohort of 52 individuals with brain injury aged between 21–75 years of age (M¼47.29 years, SD¼15.40) participated in the study. The impact of the programme was measured on three separate occasions using the same questionnaire (at programme commencement—Time 1; 3 months post-programme completion—Time 2; and 6 months post-programme completion—Time 3). Measures: The questionnaire measured demographic details, general health, emotional health, goal commitment, ability to manage illness, information use and perceived social support. Results: Significant effects were found in the ability to manage one's long-term condition, goal commitment and emotional health, however these findings were sensitive to gender differences over time. Conclusions: Results from this study partially support the role of the programme in promoting the development of personal resources following brain injury. However, the findings remind one that without monitoring and maintenance over time, any gains made are unlikely to be sustained. Further, the need for programmes to respond to gender differences is highlighted by this study.