Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation for OIF/OEF returnees with Combat Related Trauma

Abstract

The telerehabilitation for OEF/OIF returnees with mild or moderate combat related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has as its objectives 1) care coordination for wounded veterans using distance technology via the internet and 2) monitoring of physical and mental health outcomes using a variety of validated health outcome instruments that capture physical function, cognition, mental health status and integration into society. We have enrolled a total of 150 veterans in the study. Our findings indicate that 1) The telerehab intervention did not significantly influence functional, cognitive and mental health outcomes as compared to those in the control group. Both groups showed improvement in functional and mental health status and community integration over time. 2) The presence of comorbid Post Traumatic Stress Disorders was a significant predictor in reported patient health 3) Individualized treatment pathways may be needed for rehabilitation and ultimate integration into society and 4) Veterans have expressed appreciation for the program.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2018
Accession Number
AD1049849

Entities

People

  • Kris Siddharthan

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Assistive Technologies
  • Brain Injuries
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Department Of Veterans Affairs
  • Families (Human)
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Information Systems
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Health
  • Pain
  • Physical Disabilities
  • Rehabilitation
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.