Southeastern Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury System (SEMTBIS)

The goal of the Southeast Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury System (SEMTBIS) is to enroll new and follow up with existing TBI participants for the TBI Model System national database, as well as engage in a site-specific project and a module project examining the predictors of financial capacity and risk of financial exploitation after TBI. The objectives of these projects are to examine biopsychosocial and cognitive characteristics associated with financial capacity and risk of financial exploitation after TBI. Project outcomes include an empirically based test battery for rehabilitation professionals that will help identify the persons at risk for financial abuse and gain knowledge about the psychosocial risk factors that predict vulnerability. Project outputs include the test battery to be used by rehabilitation professionals to assess financial vulnerability, and educational materials that can be used by treating professionals, persons with TBI, as well as friends and family to help protect against financial abuse. Collaboration with other NIDILRR grantees as well as the Brain Injury Association of Michigan increase research activities, optimize output, and minimize redundancy. Dissemination of project findings continues to be a high priority, achieved through the center websites, publications, presentations, and collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. Key stakeholders in this system, including individuals with TBI and their care-partners, participate in the implementation of project objectives, research studies, and dissemination of findings.