Participants wanted for traumatic brain injury study

Toronto Rehab is conducting a study on emotion identification in spoken language in patients with traumatic brain injury and are recruiting potential traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors as paid participants in the study. In general, the study is trying to locate possible sources for difficulties in identifying emotions in speech following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study and the recruitment process have been approved by the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI) Research Ethics Board (REB). 

Participants must have sustained their TBI due to an accident or a fall, and be at least 1 year post-injury. Participants should be between 18 and 55 years old and native English speakers (i.e., they started speaking English before the age of 5). Other specific criteria can be discussed once interested TBI survivors have been identified. 

The study is non-intrusive, as participants will only be asked to listen to speech and rate it, respond to words shown on a computer monitor and fill out questionnaires. A basic visual and hearing screening test (to identify sensory reductions) and a battery of neuro-psychological tests will also be conducted. This information can be shared with the primary health provider (only) if the participant wishes so, and provides written consent.

The total duration of the study is about 6 hours (including short breaks and a lunch break) and participants may be reimbursed at $10/hour + up to $20 for travel expenses for a maximum amount of $80. The study takes place either at the Toronto or at the Mississauga campus of the University of Toronto, whichever location is preferable for the participant. 

If you have any further questions about this process, or if you want to learn more about the study, please contact:

Nicole Durham, HBSc, MSc Candidate
University of Toronto | Faculty of Medicine
Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science
Address: 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7
Email: nicole.durham@utoronto.ca

(Posted September 16, 2011)

Summary of Key Findings from ABI & Mental Health Surveys

In January 2011 the Network conducted a survey of acquired brain injury (ABI) and mental health (MH) service providers to gather input about their respective experience supporting clients with ABI and mental illness and to better understand and address the challenges that persist when complex clients become involved with the justice system.

Two separate surveys were developed to tailor the questions to the different audiences and objectives:

• The primary objective for the ABI service providers was to understand the challenges they experience in supporting individuals with mental illness in addition to the ABI and the challenges they experience accessing mental health services for their clients.
• The survey for mental health providers had a wider scope as this survey was conducted in collaboration with the Toronto Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC). In addition to asking mental health service providers about their experience with supporting clients with ABI, the survey asked more general questions about the challenges faced by ALL complex mental clients on the occasions they intersected with the justice system.

We received an unprecedented number of responses to this survey, with almost 400 respondents from across both the ABI and mental health sectors. We also received a number of responses from people working in the justice system.

View document: Summary of Key Findings from ABI & Mental Health Surveys

(Posted June 20, 2011)

Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Strategy

The Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Strategy is an informal collaboration of close to 40 organizations led by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation which is working to improve and standardize evidence-informed practice, working together to improve cooperation between sectors, and most importantly aiming to improve outcomes of individuals who sustain mTBI.

The Strategy includes organizational leaders and experts from multiple sectors, including medical and rehabilitation fields, health associations, consumer organizations, sports, workplace, education, research, insurance, law, government, as well as many others.

The Strategy includes a focus on Recognition and Awareness, Diagnosis and Early Education of Patients and Families, Access to Care and Timely Intervention, Management of Persistent Symptoms, and Psychosocial and Reintegration. A Coordinating Committee which includes the Co-Chairs of the five Working Groups addressing these priority areas acts as an oversight, communication and coordinative body to align the actions and reduce overlap.

It is early days yet, but collaboration, consistency and communication will hopefully pay off. The Business Plan is near completion, articulating the aims, key activities and rationale for the Strategy. This will be used to maintain engagement of existing partners, encourage new partners to join in and to make the case for investment in the longer term for approaches that will have impact and benefit across the province of Ontario.

For more information on the Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Strategy, please contact:
Corinne Kagan, Senior Program Director, ABI, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation by email or calling
(416) 422-2228, ext. 204.

View overview document: Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Strategy Overview and Update (May 2011)

(Posted June 10, 2011)

Network develops document to help individuals choose a personal injury lawyer

The Toronto ABI Network, in collaboration with members of the Patient Transitions Committee, has created a document to provide support to individuals with an acquired brain injury and their families when they are confronted with the task of selecting a personal injury lawyer following a brain injury.

The document provides information on some factors to consider when selecting a personal injury lawyer and includes a comprehensive list of questions that an individual with an acquired brain injury and his/her family could ask a personal injury law firm to help make an informed decision when selecting legal representation. Suggested websites that may serve as a reference for clients and their families are also included in the document.

View document: Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

(Posted May 24, 2011)