Grant: Project Grant

Approximately 450 people sustain a traumatic brain injury every day in Canada; it is a leading cause of disability nationally and globally. These injuries can lead to life-long disability and health problems, including decreased quality of life, poor mental health, and long-term unemployment. There is a critical gap between the needs and the delivery of programs and services that help people with traumatic brain injury to improve their health. Current health services focus on areas of impairment identified by clinicians rather than people's own priorities for their rehabilitation. In addition, there is a lack of participatory research that engage people with traumatic brain injury and community organizations as active partners to collaboratively develop useful and effective rehabilitation programs. Our study evaluates a peer support program for people with traumatic brain injury. We use a partnered approach, engaging with members of the community and people with lived experience to ensure that the research intentionally supports their needs and values. Ultimately, this research will improve the access to relevant services, health, and quality of life of people with traumatic brain injury in Canada.