Systems analysis of community and health services for acquired brain injury in Ontario, Canada. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Munce, Sarah E. P.; Laan, Rika Vander; Levy, Charissa; Parsons, Daria; Jaglal, Susan B.
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 28:Number 8(2014)
• Page Start: 1042
• Page End: 1051
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2014.890744
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Primary objective</italic>: To conduct a systems analysis on community and health services for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) in the province of Ontario, Canada.</p> <p> <italic>Research design</italic>: This study employed a triangulation design. This design is used when there is a need to validate quantitative results with qualitative data, as is the case in the present study.</p> <p> <italic>Methods and procedures</italic>: Forty-two healthcare professionals and/or healthcare administrators from organizations across the province and across the continuum of care were surveyed. A 1-day focus group was also held to validate the study findings.</p> <p> <italic>Main outcomes and results</italic>: The main results of this study revealed: (1) a lack of services for children/adolescents; (2) service gaps for individuals with co-existing mental health conditions; (3) a lack of services related to employment; (4) changes in casemix, in terms of more individuals with co-morbid medical and mental health conditions (with many of the organizations reporting medical instability and severe behavioural disorders as exclusion criteria); and (5) a need for more organizations to track patient outcomes for evaluation and/or accountability purposes.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Findings from this study will lead to improvement of current services but also improved planning of future services for individuals with ABI.</p> </abstract>