Waiting time for specialized interdisciplinary rehabilitation associated with persistent symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury: an observational cohort study.

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately thirty percent of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) suffer from persistent symptoms that can impact their day-to-day activities. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between waiting time for rehabilitation services and persistent post-mTBI symptoms. The secondary objective was to explore the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and persistent symptoms.

Materials and methods: An observational cohort study was conducted at a specialized interdisciplinary rehabilitation program for mTBI in Québec, Canada. Waiting time was the predictor variable and symptom outcomes were measured at two points in time.

Results: Twenty-six participants completedquestionnaires at both baseline and follow-up. Approximately 70% of participants received their first appointment within six months of the injury, while the others waited more than eight months. Longer waiting times were associated with higher scores of persistent post-concussion symptoms on the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (p = 0.008), higher scores on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (p = 0.005), and lower scores on the Community Integration Questionnaire (p = 0.006) at baseline, as well as higher scores on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (p = 0.046) at follow-up.

Conclusion: This study reveals the negative effects of delayed access to specialized rehabilitation services for patients with mTBI and calls for necessary policy changes.