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 pound million were demonstrated for individuals admitted to rehabilitation within a year of sustaining a brain injury and of up to 0.86 pound 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.