A new program developed by La Trobe researchers is proving beneficial for people living with an acquired brain injury.
“The long-term effects of acquired brain injury can be debilitating, impacting cognitive, social and emotional functioning. These lasting changes can negatively impact wellbeing and engagement in life,” explains graduate researcher Nick Sathananthan.
“Unfortunately, current rehabilitation practices don't adequately support people with an acquired brain injury. Most people report long-term unmet needs, particularly for their cognitive and emotional symptoms."
Short-term interventions that target mood and cognition separately are accessible but show limited efficacy. More comprehensive interventions that target these symptoms together,effectively support recovery but are often inaccessible due to their length and cost.
To address this, researchers at La Trobe have developed a shorter and more accessible intervention called VaLiANT (Valued Living After Neurological Trauma).
The program is an eight-week group intervention that combines cognitive rehabilitation and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
A recent study published by Mr Sathananthan in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, has evaluated the program, with promising results.
“The program was well received, and participants reported a wide range of improvements after completing VaLlANT, particularly in terms of general adjustment to acquired brain injury and reconstruction of their self-identity,” he said.
“These findings suggest VaLiANT is a promising intervention that may improve wellbeing for people with an acquired brain injury.”
The project team will continue to develop the VaLiANT program through a co-design process that involves people with acquired brain injury. A larger clinical trial will follow.
“Ultimately, we hope the program will improve long-term outcomes for people with brain injuries by helping them meaningfully re-engage in things that matter to them.”
