Rehabilitation of children with traumatic brain injury: descriptive analysis of a nationwide sample using the WeeFIM.

Abstract

To describe functional capability at admission and discharge of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rehabilitation settings. Descriptive analysis. Inpatient pediatric rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. Children (N=3815) in 56 pediatric inpatient rehabilitation facilities who were discharged during 1999 to 2001. Not applicable. Admission and discharge WeeFIM scores. Admission and discharge WeeFIM scores correlated positively with age at admission, time from injury to rehabilitation admission, and length of stay (LOS). Higher admission WeeFIM scores correlated with shorter LOS, shorter time from injury to admission to rehabilitation, and higher discharge WeeFIM scores. Children with TBI demonstrated significant improvement in functional measures during rehabilitation. Discharge function and LOS correlated with admission severity, with children who had higher functional status and shorter time between injury and rehabilitation care having higher discharge function and shorter LOS.