Evaluation of an Intervention Model for Family Crisis and Support

The rehabilitation community has for many years recognized family members' valuable role in caring for persons with TBI during the course of rehabilitation and recovery. Helping family members to cope more effectively has the potential to improve outcomes for persons with TBI. Strengthening families can enable persons with brain injury to live more independently, achieve greater community integration, and live healthier lives. A few researchers have endeavored to develop and evaluate interventions designed for family members and caregivers, and the results have been promising. Nevertheless, methodological concerns relating to small sample sizes, non-standardized interventions, non-standardized outcome measures, and failure to employ randomization and control procedures has severely limited the conclusions that can be drawn. The Brain Injury Family Intervention (BIFI) is a standardized educational, support, and skill building program developed for family members and survivors. A preliminary analysis of data derived from an investigation with a one group pre-test, post-test design suggests that the BIFI is beneficial for family members and survivors. A more rigorous investigation involving randomized assignment to treatment and control groups is required to empirically examine outcomes. The proposed investigation serves as a logical next step forward in advancing our understanding of standardized interventions designed to serve the family unit.