Objective: To analyse the functional outcomes of adults following acquired brain injury attending an intensive outpatient neuro-rehabilitation programme relative to a comprehensive TBI day programme service in the United States.
Design: Retrospective audit of all admissions over a two-year period (2001-2003) to an outpatient neuro-rehabilitation service utilising an interdisciplinary team model.
Setting: Outpatient neuro-rehabilitation service.
Participants: 89 patients in receipt of 2+ therapies attending for intensive day neuro-rehabilitation programme.
Main outcome measures: Routine FIM+FAM(UK) scores were compiled on admission and discharge. The FIM+FAM(UK) is a widely employed outcome measure of activity and participation comprising 30 items across a range of domains including self care, domestic skills, mobility, communication, cognitive and social abilities. The scale is divided into two broad domains of functioning (motor and cognitive).
Data analysis: Descriptive analysis of demographic, patient diagnosis, referral patterns and time since injury to attendance was undertaken. Analysis of FIM+FAM(UK) admission and discharge scores was performed.
Results: Complete admission and discharge scores were available for 65 patients. Significant mean improvements in motor (12.0 point change), cognitive (7.3 point change) and composite FIM+FAM(UK) (19.3 point change) scores were observed indicating reduced functional dependence following an intensive period of outpatient neuro-rehabilitation.
Conclusion: The FIM+FAM(UK) measure demonstrated sensitivity to change across functional domains relevant to goal directed intensive outpatient interdisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation.