Problems in functioning after a mild traumatic brain injury within the ICF framework: the patient perspective using...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents diverse challenges impacting individuals' lives.
• Understanding the full spectrum of post-TBI issues, including environmental influences, is crucial for effective rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail functional impairments and environmental factors post-mild TBI using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
• To evaluate findings against existing ICF Core Sets for TBI.

Main Methods:

• Conducted six focus-group interviews with 17 participants undergoing outpatient rehabilitation for mild TBI.
• Analyzed transcribed interviews using the ICF framework to identify problems in body functions, activities, and participation.

Main Results:

• Identified 108 ICF categories reflecting a wide range of TBI-related functional problems, particularly in cognitive and emotional domains, energy, daily routines, and work.
• Frequently reported issues aligned well with the Brief and Comprehensive ICF Core Sets for TBI.
• Environmental factors primarily involved healthcare systems, social support networks, and societal attitudes.

Conclusions:

• Mild TBI leads to diverse functional problems and is influenced by various environmental factors.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering the broader context of a patient's life in TBI rehabilitation strategies.