Queensland Health aims to provide equitable access to safe, quality speciality acquired brain injury rehabilitation across hospital and community settings that enables individuals to lead meaningful lives after an injury.
What happens when a person sustains an ABI
When a person sustains an ABI in Queensland, their care usually begins in a hospital setting where they receive acute medical treatment and stabilisation. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, initial care might be provided in a regional hospital or the person may need to be transferred to a major hospital. Patients sometimes start their care with their GP who can refer them on to hospital care or other services.
What happens after acute care (moderate-severe injuries)
After acute care, the patient will be assessed for rehabilitation needs. For:
- moderate to severe ABI, inpatient rehabilitation may be provided in a specialist unit within a major hospital offering intensive therapy to help regain independence
- less severe injuries the individual may be discharged to follow up with therapy or their GP in the community.
Rehabilitation therapies can include:
- physiotherapy
- occupational therapy
- speech pathology
- psychology/neuropsychology
- social work.
Leaving hospital care
After discharge, rehabilitation can continue through:
- outpatient clinics attached to hospitals
- community rehabilitation programs
- home base therapy services through private providers/funders
- telehealth appointments.
Ongoing therapy and supports can sometimes be funded depending on the patient's circumstances. Examples of funding sources include:
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for those with disability
- National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ) for those with eligible motor vehicle or workplace injuries
- workers’ compensation schemes
- private health insurance
- Medicare.
Self-management and goal setting
Self-management is a critical part of recovery following an ABI and helps with the transitions between stages of care – hospital, rehabilitation and community. Starting self-management early helps the person build autonomy, confidence and a better understanding of their own strengths and challenges. Some helpful self-management tools include:
Support networks and services
Staying connected to rehabilitation services, trusted information and community support can help maintain progress and support adjustment after an ABI. Hospitals and therapists can provide information about ongoing therapy options and help established goals, needs, and questions for follow-up care.
Using tools like Julian’s Key or a goal tracker or progress report can help a patient keep track of therapies, progress and next steps across different rehabilitation settings.
The patient's GP and specialist brain injury organisations such as Synapse and Brain Injury Australia can provide trusted information, emotional support and help build peer networks.