A Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden blow or jolt to the head causes damage to the brain. Often this can be due to a car accident, assault, fall or sports injury (ref). TBIs lead to changes in how the brain works, impacting thinking, movement, speech, and/or behaviour. Some TBIs are short term, however some may result in lasting disability or death.
Many people experience psychosocial challenges after a TBI. Psychosocial challenges refer to emotional, behavioural, and social difficulties that can arise after injury, such as depression, anxiety, impulsivity, loss of identity, challenges with anger management, difficulty maintaining relationships, or returning to work.
Despite how common and life changing TBIs are there is surprisingly little guidance and support to help individuals and their families understand what to expect in the long term.
With this in mind, we developed an online psychoeducation program for people with TBI, their family members/caregivers and rehabilitation staff to help with adjustment to life after a TBI, supporting recovery from early treatment through to long-term care.
We interviewed people with TBI, and surveyed family/carers and rehabilitation staff to understand their experiences, challenges and the areas where psychosocial support is most needed.
Then, we developed pyschoeducation modules that included systematic and structured information on TBI and its treatment and prognosis for different stages of injury - acute (0-3 months post injury), post-acute (3-12 months post injury) and chronic (more than 12 months since injury).
The modules were then reviewed and refined with advice from subject matter experts including psychologists, occupational therapists and researchers.
Dr Lakkhina Troeung
Brightwater Research Centre
Thila Raja
Dr Georgina Mann
Janet Wagland
Dr Angelita Martini
The University of Western Australia – School of Psychological Science
Completed 2024
The myTBI psychoeducation modules provide a roadmap of the expected recovery journey following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from initial diagnosis to long-term recovery in the community – with a focus on the psychosocial aspects of recovery.
The myTBI modules provide a roadmap of the expected recovery journey following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These modules are written for people for a TBI, but they may also be helpful for family members/caregivers and healthcare professionals.
There are 13 modules in total, beginning with information in the Acute stage (0-3 months after injury), followed by Post-Acute stage (between 3-12 months after injury) and Chronic stage (more than 12 between after injury).
Discover the modules
