Affiliations: [a]
Department of Graduate Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA
| [b] Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Cara Meixner, Department of Graduate Psychology, James Madison University, MSC 4603, 1251 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA. Tel.: +1 540 568 4846; Fax: +1 540 568 4990; E-mail: meixnecx@jmu.edu.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The psychological impact of TBI is vast, leading to adverse effects on survivors and their caregivers. Unhealthy family functioning may be mitigated by therapeutic strategies, particularly interdisciplinary family systems approaches like the well-documented Brain Injury Family Intervention (BIFI). Little is known about the experience of providers who offer such interventions. OBJECTIVE: This mixed methods study aims to demonstrate that a structured three-day training on the BIFI protocol improves providers’ knowledge and confidence in working with survivors and families, and that this outcome is sustainable. METHODS: Participants were 34 providers who participated in an intensive training and completed a web-based survey at four points of time. Quantitative data were analyzed via Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and binomial test of proportions. Qualitative data were analyzed according to rigorous coding procedures. RESULTS: Providers’ knowledge of brain injury and their ability to conceptualize treatment models for survivors and their families increased significantly and mostly remain consistent over time. Qualitative data point to additional gains, such as understanding of family systems. CONCLUSIONS: Past studies quantify the BIFI as an evidence-based intervention. This study supports the effectiveness of training and serves as first to demonstrate the benefit for providers short- and long-term.
Keywords: Brain injury, family systems, BIFI, mixed methods
