Objective:

To evaluate the psychosocial benefits of participation in a virtual traumatic brain injury (TBI) support group in people living with TBI.

Background:

TBI is one of the most common causes of disability in the United States. Many survivors live with significant cognitive and physical disabilities which negatively impact their quality of life. People who are single or live alone have worse quality of life after TBI. Support groups allow people to form social connections with others with similar diagnoses, providing them with an outlet to feel safe and a platform to share experiences and advice.

Design/Methods:

In this study, optional anonymous surveys were administered to participants of a monthly TBI support group that occurs via Zoom. Surveys include questions pertaining to participant satisfaction with the support group and the impact of the support group. This study was approved by the NYMC IRB.

Results:

A total of 12 participants completed the survey. The most common reasons participants attended the support group was to learn more about TBI and to meet others with TBI (91.7%). A majority of participants (58.4%) reported that they felt comfortable sharing their experiences, 75% said the support group helped them process their feelings about TBI and and 66.7% were satisfied with the social support they received from the group. Additionally, 92% indicated they found it helpful to have a doctor and medical students attend the group and 100% reported that they would recommend someone else with an acquired brain injury attend the support group.

Conclusions:

The monthly TBI support group allows participants to share their experiences, process feelings and form social connections, which may contribute to improved quality of life and life satisfaction. Further research on the impact of TBI support groups on quality of life is indicated.