Thousands of people each year experience some degree of TBI, which is identified by confusion or disorientation, loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia and other neurological abnormalities resulting from externally inflicted trauma (to the brain, rather than an injury to the head).
For people with a TBI and their families/whanau, the impact of their injury can be life-changing and sometimes life long. Having the right systems, services and support in place can mitigate its impact on those involved.
ACC has taken an evidence-based, proactive approach to ensuring its services align with best practice by developing an overarching strategy for people with a TBI (focusing on adults with a moderate to severe TBI).
The strategy was developed with input from key stakeholders. The process included interviewing clients, families/whanau and carers to better understand their experiences; working with service providers and rehabilitation specialists to gain an understanding of the part they play in treatment and and rehabilitation; consulting with client organisations and undertaking literature and evidence-based research reviews.
The initial draft was made available for consultation, and feedback from stakeholders was incorporated into the final strategy.