FABR: Pioneering Brain Rehabilitation Through Collaboration and Data

By Dan M. Logan, BS, CSM; Director of Performance Improvement + Quality Management, On With Life

In an effort to improve brain injury rehabilitation patient outcomes through collaborative efforts and data-driven insights, leading brain injury rehabilitation organizations in the United States established the Foundation to Advance Brain Injury Rehabilitation (FABR). This alliance represents an approach to brain injury care that prioritizes the aggregation and analysis of outcome data to shape the future of rehabilitation.

A Collaborative Vision

FABR’s inception can be traced back to late 2017 when a strategic plan was formulated to lay the groundwork for this collaboration. Recognizing the fragmented nature of brain injury rehabilitation across the country, six organizations committed themselves to a vision of collective progress. These founding members, representing 12 states, offered a comprehensive range of intensive post-hospital brain injury rehabilitation services, encompassing residential care, day treatment, outpatient services, home and community programs, and supported living initiatives.

Over the next two years, these organizations engaged in regular discussions and planning sessions to develop the necessary infrastructure for FABR. This involved the creation of by-laws, membership and data use agreements, as well as the establishment of policies, procedures, and protocols. The shared goal was clear: to create a cohesive framework that would allow for the effective collection and utilization of rehabilitation outcome data. By 2019, FABR had been formally incorporated, marking the beginning of a new era in brain injury rehabilitation.

A Revolutionary Database

One of FABR’s most significant achievements is the development of a collaborative database that captures the impact of brain injury rehabilitation following acute care. This database serves as a crucial resource for understanding the effectiveness of various rehabilitation approaches. By aggregating outcome data from its member organizations, FABR has created a powerful tool for evaluating the progress and recovery of individuals who have undergone post-acute brain injury rehabilitation.

With a current sample size of more than 2,000 cases, this database offers information that can be used to refine treatment protocols, improve patient outcomes, and advocate for the importance of post-acute rehabilitation services. To protect the privacy of both the organizations and the individuals served, FABR’s data is meticulously de-identified, ensuring that the insights gained are both valuable and ethical.

Scholarly Contributions

FABR’s commitment to advancing the field of brain injury rehabilitation extends beyond data collection and analysis. The organization’s work has been recognized by the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, which has accepted a series of articles from FABR for publication in a topical issue. The introductory article in this series provides an overview of FABR, detailing the process of variable selection, data de-identification, and the development of the collaborative database.

FABR’s commitment to advancing the field of brain injury rehabilitation extends beyond data collection and analysis. The organization’s work has been recognized by the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, which has accepted a series of articles from FABR for publication in a topical issue. The introductory article in this series provides an overview of FABR, detailing the process of variable selection, data de-identification, and the development of the collaborative database.

Subsequent articles offer deeper insights into the field. One paper provides a detailed description of the individuals admitted to post-acute brain injury rehabilitation programs, highlighting the diverse needs and challenges faced by this population. Another article compares the outcomes of these programs from admission to discharge, providing valuable data on the effectiveness of various rehabilitation models. Additionally, FABR has conducted a Rasch analysis of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (version 4), further enhancing the tools available for assessing patient progress.

Driving Change Through Data

At its core, FABR was founded to improve access to brain injury care by demonstrating the value of post-acute rehabilitation through data-driven research. The organization’s work is not just about collecting data; it is about using that data to drive change. FABR’s research evaluates both the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of different treatment models, providing critical insights that can inform advocacy efforts and policy development. By disseminating its findings, FABR aims to influence the broader rehabilitation industry, ensuring that more individuals have access to the care they need to recover and thrive.

In conclusion, the Foundation to Advance Brain Rehabilitation is not just a collaboration; it is a movement towards a more effective, data-informed approach to brain injury rehabilitation. Through its pioneering database and commitment to research, FABR is poised to make a lasting impact on the field, improving outcomes for countless individuals and setting a new standard for care.