Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
The Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) project is a prospective, longitudinal multi-center study examining the course of recovery and outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). In 1998, the Mayo Clinic was designated by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) as a TBIMS, one of only 17 in the nation. In October, 2002, Mayo was notified of renewed funding for an additional five years (2002-2007). The total number of TBIMS centers funded by NIDRR is now 16.
Model systems are involved in developing and evaluating a continuum of comprehensive services. These services must fully consider and respond effectively to the short and long-range needs of people with traumatic brain injuries and their families. Each of the 16 centers provides a coordinated system of emergency care, acute neurotrauma management, comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation and long term interdisciplinary follow-up services. Model systems are also heavily involved in research activities. Each center is responsible to gather and submit data to the national TBIMS database as well as conduct numerous local research studies.
Using scientific methods to ensure valid and replicable solutions, research and demonstration projects under way at Mayo address needs identified by NIDRR priorities, by the professional literature and, most importantly, by people with TBI and their families and significant others. The Mayo TBIMS is designed to study the course of recovery, treatment pathways and outcome following delivery of a coordinated system of care that spans the continuum of pre-hospital emergency care to postacute intervention focused on community reintegration. Local research projects capitalize on Mayo's identified strengths and unique position as the most prominent provider of medical care in a region encompassing southern Minnesota, northern Iowa and western Wisconsin. Mayo is in an ideal position to conduct long term outcome studies since virtually all cases of moderate to severe TBI in the region are transported to Mayo and will continue to receive long term medical care here.
As a result of long-standing relationships with Minnesota and neighboring state Brain Injury Associations and Departments of Vocational and Social Services; with the regional NIDRR Research and Training Center at UW-Stout; and with other local and regional consumer and provider groups; Mayo has developed a model system and related goals and research activities that support a joint mission: to enable people with traumatic brain injury to participate fully in their families, communities, school and work.
Find detailed information about research, demonstration, outreach projects, publications and presentations, and the staff of the Mayo TBI Model System.