Evidence Based Support for this Bill

Often, veterans return from war and must find a way to fit in with the community once again. Although they have returned home physically rehabilitated, many veterans struggle after sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as they are expected to return to their "premorbid" lifestyle. Four community based rehabilitation modes have been identified: neurobehavioral, residential community, comprehensive holistic, home based. Home based CIR (community integrative rehabilitation) programs are more variable than other modes of rehabilitation. There is no identified treatment team, but instead, the patient uses resources such as telephone and web based support services independently. There is not enough evidence to support a specific community based intervention for veterans recovering from TBI, but the research suggests that they do play a role in recovery (Trudel, Nidiffer & Barth, 2007).

Telemedicine is being used more and more with veterans recovering from TBI after military involvement. The internet and video surveillance are being used to detect and treat signs and symptoms of TBI. Patients who were once at risk for having to handle their recovery alone are now able to communicate with health care providers throughout the recovery process. Telehealth is also being used to help diagnose patients experiencing signs and symptoms of TBI while they are still providing military service. The computerized tests being used to help identify mild TBI's are quite effective. Telehealth is also effective in helping home health care providers better understand the mental condition of soldiers returning from war after sustaining a TBI. Although the programs set up now are effective, there is a need for increased telehealth to provide care to the many veterans returning from war required care (Girard, 2007).