The clinical and cost-benefits of investing in neurobehavioural rehabilitation: A multi-centre study

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-benefits of a residential post-acute neurobehavioural rehabilitation programme and its effects on care needs and social participation of adults with acquired brain injury. RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective multi-centre design. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Data on occupation, adaptability and level of support required were collected at admission, discharge and 6-months follow-up. Cost analysis was performed on cost estimates based on level of support. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Significant gains were observed in all areas of functioning, with individuals progressing towards higher levels of independence and more participation in society upon discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Cost-benefits of up to £1.13 million were demonstrated for individuals admitted to rehabilitation within a year of sustaining a brain injury and of up to £0.86 million for those admitted more than 1 year after injury. Functional gains and reductions in levels of care required upon discharge were maintained 6 months later. These results demonstrate that post-acute neurobehavioural rehabilitation can have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with brain injury and that the associated costs are off-set by significant savings in the longer-term.