Abstract:
The Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS), directed by Tessa Hart, PhD and John Whyte, MD, PhD at the Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI), leads an extensive collaborative network to provide comprehensive clinical TBI care; conduct research on outcomes and treatment of TBI; and develop educational products and programs for both professionals and consumers. In the Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey region, seven Trauma Centers and two nationally renowned rehabilitation facilities (MossRehab and Magee Rehabilitation) are partners in the clinical component of the Moss TBIMS, which includes lifelong care and innovative community-based programming. The research component of the Moss TBIMS includes participation in collaborative database projects as well as newly funded projects in key areas of successful previous research: (1) the use of assistive technology for cognitive and behavioral disabilities; (2) validation of an observational rating scale of attention dysfunction in TBI with multiple methods, including a psychostimulant treatment trial; and (3) exploring ways to improve the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of botulinum toxin for treating severe spasticity. Each of these projects includes a phase specially designed to evaluate the impact of the outcomes of the research on its intended consumers. The Moss TBIMS' dissemination programs, including three conferences, benefit from active collaborations among the Moss TBIMS and area rehabilitation facilities as well as consumer groups, notably the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania. The Moss TBIMS emphasizes consumer involvement via advisory participation in clinical program improvement, research design, and education/ outreach activities.

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