Predicting family needs after brain injury: Implications for intervention

Abstract

This study used injury, patient, and family information to statistically predict family needs after brain Injury. Predictor variables were selected based on previous research and clinical availability (eg, neuropsychological tests). The criterion variable, family needs, was chosen because of its specificity to brain injury and its relevance to prevention and treatment. Methodologically, the study included a large (N=180) and heterogeneous sample and standardized instruments and focused on outcome after two years post-injury. Multiple regression identified different sets of predictor variables for parents and spouses. Moreover, relatives' appraisal of neurobehavioral status was a stronger predictor of family needs than were neuropsychological test results. Study findings are used to develop clinical recommendations as well as future directions for family outcome research.