Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature relating to the (psychosocial) costs associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). 9 online journal databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and PUBMED, were searched for studies on the economic burden of head injuries. Additional studies were identified through searching bibliographies of related publications and using the Google internet search function. 108 potentially relevant abstracts where found from a search of the journal databases. 10 relevant papers were chosen for discussion in the review. The studies included a Cost-Benefit Analysis of the implementation of treatment guidelines of the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) and a cost-effectiveness analysis of post acute TBI rehabilitation. Very little research has been published on the economic burden that mild and moderate TBI patients pose to their families, careers and society as a whole. Further research is needed to estimate the economic burden of these patients on the healthcare providers, social services and how this can have an impact on current health policies and practices.

Biography

I.Humphreys is a researcher in Health Economics. Prof. R.L. Wood is Professor of Psychology and specialises in the impact of acquired brain injury, particularly orbito-frontal injury, on behavior, cognition and social functioning. Also clinical effectiveness of brain injury, rehabilitation techniques in respect of social outcome and long term sequelae of traumatic brain injury. Ceri Phillips is Professor of Health Economics. He has close links with the Wound Healing Unit and the Centre for Disability Research at Cardiff University and the Pain Research Unit based at The Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. He has undertaken commissioned work for a range of organisations, including WHO, Department of Health, Department of Work and Pensions and a range of health authorities and pharmaceutical companies.