Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Resource Facilitation on Return to Work after Traumatic Brain Injury: Replication of a Pilot Study

Lance E. Trexler, PhD (Principal Investigator; RHI) and Laura Trexler, OTR (RHI)

 

A small pilot study conducted previously at RHI —the first controlled study of Resource Facilitation—demonstrated that, 67% of the group who received Resource Facilitation returned to work compared to 36% in the no treatment control group. Those who received Resource Facilitation services, assistance with returning to work and to school, also showed superior overall community reintegration. 


A new study extending this work will take the next step in an emerging program of research on the effectiveness of Resource Facilitation services in improving overall outcome following brain injury. Benefits of Resource Facilitation may include increased rate of return-to-work; increased likelihood students receive appropriate education supports; increased family ability to understand and support the individual with brain injury; reduced family crisis; reduced long-term dependence on public assistance; reduced risk of institutionalization and/or incarceration; decreased utilization of mental health services and addictions services. Beyond the benefits to the individual with brain injury and their family, these outcomes are expected to significantly reduce societal costs of brain injury.