Information needs on childhood TBI: survey results of experts

Issue title: Pediatrics

Guest editors: Marilyn LashGuest Editor and Ron SavageGuest Editor

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Osberg, J. Scott^{; *} | Lash, Marilyn

Affiliations: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, New England Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, 750 Washington St., Box 75KR, Boston, MA 02111, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 617 6365038; Fax: +1 617 6365513; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Until recently, information about childhood brain injury was rarely geared toward families or educators. Yet information is critical, according to our survey of 89 experts. We asked about the type of information needed, groups needing information, and issues of timing. Respondents were most concerned about brain injury information gaps for parents, educators, and community physicians. Basic information about brain injury among children, methods of coping, and advocacy strategies were deemed most important. Good multi-media materials are needed, so people can quickly learn the basics, find where to learn more, and make contacts in the brain injury community. New Internet discussion groups, mailing lists, and websites appear almost daily. As more user-friendly information on brain injury gets placed on the Internet, more needs to be done to make this information accessible to all citizens.

Keywords: Brain injury information, Pediatrics, Families, Educators, Clinicians, Internet

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1997-9206

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 149-158, 1997