Group-Administered Cognitive Remediation for Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury 1

Abstract

As a complement to individually administered cognitive rehabilitation, the group modality provides a unique opportunity from which patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with varying degrees of confusion and disorientation can achieve significant remedial benefits. These include opportunities for social learning, cooperative problem solving, and improved interpersonal-intragroup communication. In addition, these benefits enhance the resolution of primary cognitive deficits in areas of orientation, attention, immediate and delayed memory, and problem solving. In this article, group remediation programs are discussed in the context of remediation strategies and cuing techniques designed to facilitate cognitive functioning. Two group-administered cognitive remediational programs, group orientation and Group Think, are described. Patients with traumatic brain injury who exhibit persistent or resolving posttraumatic amnesia are seen twice daily for group orientation. The primary objective of this program is to provide patients within a group setting with cognitive strategies and cuing techniques that can assist orientation. Patients who demonstrate resolution of disorientation and gross memory disorders but continue to exhibit difficulties with abstract thinking and problem solving are provided with the Group Think program. While participants are encouraged to use their improving memory skills, their efforts are directed toward developing problem-solving abilities and facilitating group cooperation and interpersonal communication.