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Brain Injury Family Intervention - Adolescents
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The Best Practice Committee of the Toronto ABI Network has agreed to collaborate with investigators to support the knowledge mobilization activities related to the Brain Injury Family Intervention (BIFI) for the adolescent population.
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the leading cause of disability and death among children and adolescents, yet there are very few services after the child leaves the hospital, especially for families. The effects of ABI are often life-long and can place significant demands on family members, who provide the major support for the child. These families need access to support over the long-term as children and adolescents with ABI recover very differently than adults.
Research has shown that children who are injured at a younger age are at greater risk than those who are injured later in life. As these children grow into adolescence, they often ‘grow into’ their injury. This makes it especially stressful for families, as it is often difficult for parents to know what is ABI and what is typical of adolescents. Family support is especially needed at this stage of family life as the young person prepares for adulthood. It has been shown that when families are coping well, then the person with the ABI does better.
The Brain Injury Family Intervention for Adolescents (BIFI-A) is a model of support that consists of 11 topics covering a variety of areas that families have identified as important (e.g. common changes after ABI and its effects on the family, being a teen and achieving independence, emotional and physical recovery, problem solving, stress management, preparing for school and work).
The role of the Best Practice Committee will be to collaborate with the group of investigators to increase awareness about family supports after ABI and to introduce the BIFI-A intervention.
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