EDUCATION FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF THE BRAIN INJURED

每一次脑损伤事件都是突如其来和意想不到的，而脑损伤患者的家属往往对他们面临的巨大生活变化毫无准备。研究人员一致认为，有过脑损伤护理经验的家庭是提供情感支持和实用知识的优秀榜样。在第一阶段，IDI生产了一个声控多媒体原型，允许照顾者直接与有经验的同行对话。研究表明，这种多媒体模式是这一群体的一种可行的沟通方式，家庭照顾者不仅接受这种方式，而且对这种方式充满热情。在第二阶段，IDI将开发一系列新的案例研究，提供第一阶段测试参与者推荐的扩展内容，并将确定这些计划对最近才经历脑损伤的家庭的影响。新的面试将使任何家庭成员，无论种族、性别、年龄、家庭角色或经济状况，都能通过与经验丰富的同龄人进行虚拟对话来获得洞察力和知识。将进行一项严格的对照研究，以衡量这些虚拟对话/TM计划在实用知识、情感支持和家庭成员之间的沟通方面的效果。拟议的商业应用：互动访谈资料库将分发给全国各地的急性护理医院、康复医院和康复单位、医生、保健组织和保险公司。分销渠道将包括倡导协会和组织。促销活动将包括广告、会议、直邮和直销。

Every event of brain injury is sudden and unexpected, and families of the brain injured are often unprepared for the drastic life changes they face. Researchers agree that families who have had experience with brain injury caregiving are excellent role models who provide emotional support and practical knowledge. In Phase I, IDI produced a voice-activated multimedia prototype that allows caregivers to directly dialogue with experienced peers. It demonstrated that this multimedia model is a feasible method of communication for this group, and that family caregivers not only accept this approach but are enthusiastic about it. In Phase II, IDI will develop a series of new case studies, providing expanded content recommended by Phase I test participants, and will determine the impact of these programs on families who have only recently experienced a brain injury. The new interviews will be designed to enable any family member, regardless of race, gender, age, family role, or economic status, to gain insights and knowledge through virtual dialogues with experienced peers. A rigorous controlled study will be conducted to measure the effect of these Virtual Conversations/TM program on practical knowledge, emotional support, and the communication between family members. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The library of interactive interviews will be distribute to acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals and rehabilitation units, physicians, HMOs, and insurance companies throughout the country. Distribution ch channels will include advocacy associations and organizations. Promotional activities will include advertising, conferences, direct mailings and direct sales.