Perceived needs of persons with traumatic brain injury and relationship to services

The objectives of this study were to develop a comprehensive list of needs and services appropriate for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI), describe the relationship between unmet needs and services received, and predict needs with demographic, injury and service characteristics. A mailed survey was returned by 895 rehabilitation service recipients (similar to20%). The most prevalent unmet needs were improving memory or problem-solving skills (52%), increasing income (51%), and improving job skills (46%). Persons with greater unmet needs tended to receive fewer services, report lower life satisfaction and worse medical health and psychological well-being since injury, and tended to be younger, single, African-American, dependent in one or more daily activities, and have more recent injuries. The results illustrate the common pattern of unmet needs and services and emphasize the importance of comprehensive, statewide assessment of services and needs in developing policies.