University of Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (UWTBIMS)

The goal of the University of Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Model System is to improve the lives of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Project activities include: (1) providing a multidisciplinary system of rehabilitation within a full continuum of medical care; (2) contributing at least 35 subjects per year to the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) national database with follow up of more than 1,300 currently enrolled subjects; (3) conducting a site-specific study to greater understand the development of chronic pain and the use of opioids after TBI; (4) participating in module studies, including an examination of exercise as a treatment for major depressive disorder after TBI; and (5) delivering evidence-based, patient-centered information through the project website, and through a newsletter in partnership with the Model System Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). Outcomes include: (1) meeting or exceeding benchmarks for enrollment and follow up on all studies; (2) successful implementation and collaboration on module projects; (3) improving consumer awareness and education on TBI related topics, including partnering with the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington and MSKTC; and (4) disseminating research findings to other professional and consumer audiences. Project outputs include the successful completion of a site-specific and module projects including peer-reviewed publications, consumer-friendly education materials, and presentations at professional and consumer-focused conferences.