LEVEL OF CARE OPTIONS FOR THE LOW-FUNCTIONING BRAIN INJURY SURVIVOR

During the early stages of recovery from severe brain injury many pati ents are comatose or minimally responsive. Rehabilitation for these lo w-functioning survivors traditionally includes acute medical care and transfer to a skilled nursing facility or acute rehabilitation. Concer ns have been expressed that customary treatment options are ineffectiv e, costly, or both. In response, 'intermediate'-level programmes desig ned to provide effective, cost-efficient rehabilitation have emerged. The purpose of this paper is to provide information regarding outcome of severe brain injury and the early rehabilitation needs of survivors . Common characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of various int ermediate programmes, including 'subacute' and 'transitional' rehabili tation, are discussed and contrasted.