Family intervention with the traumatically brain injured patient

The occupational therapist plays an integral role in the evaluation and treatment of the traumatically brain injured (TBI) patient. Although the TBI patient's needs are relatively well-defined by the nature of the injury, less well recognized and frequently over- 1ooked is the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by the family of the TBI patient. Depending on the information provided, the family can be an asset or hindrance in the patient's rehabilitation. By working with the TBI patient's family, the occupational therapist can guide the family into a more cohesive force that will assist the patient throughout the rehabilitative process. This article provides suggestions to evaluate and manage concerns and fears raised by the families of TBI patients. It rovides an organizational guideline for educating the family about BI and incorporating them in the rehabilitation of the TBI patient.