Improving the functional communication ability of adults with TBI
A randomised controlled trial of a new treatment to improve functional communication outcome for adults with traumatic brain injury
Project Summary:
The majority of adults who sustain moderate or severe traumatic brain injury experience difficulties communicating effectively with family members, friends and people they encounter in their daily lives. These communication problems are a source of considerable ongoing stress and impact negatively on quality of life for injured individuals. A new approach to functional communication intervention is being evaluated in a randomised controlled trial in this project. This novel intervention focuses on communication-specific coping strategies that can be readily applied across all situations a person encounters on a daily basis. The intervention allows not only the people with brain injury to participate but also their everyday communication partners. Individuals who complete this treatment program are expected to show significant gains in their ability to interact productively with others. The communication improvements that result from this treatment are expected to facilitate wellbeing and enhance social function, thus making a significant contribution to improving long-term outcome.
