Date Approved

1995

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Physical Therapy (M.S.)

Degree Program

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Karen Ozga

Second Advisor

William Bell

Third Advisor

Jennifer McWain

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between physical therapists' perceptions and institutional policies relating to family participation in rehabilitation and rehabilitation outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury. Utilizing surveys, we collected information about institutional policy from institutions that were members of the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in the Midwestern United States. Thirteen institutional surveys provided usable Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores for patients rehabilitated in 1993, which were used as the outcome measure. The therapists' perceptions survey (n = 104) gathered data about the belief of physical therapists relating to family involvement in rehabilitation. No trends were found between physical therapists' beliefs and institutional policies about the role of family in rehabilitation and outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury. The small amount of outcome data limited this analysis. The majority of therapists in this study agreed that the level of family involvement in rehabilitation should be maximized.

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