Intervention in neuropsychological rehabilitation: an action research project

Abstract

Traumatic Brain Injury (TCI) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality in the European Union. According to the European Brain Injury Consortium (EBIC), approximately 2 million people in the EU suffer from severe TCI each year, resulting in around 1 million hospital admissions. Given the public health relevance of this issue, we conducted an action-research study to explore the potential of neuropsychological rehabilitation. This article presents findings from an intervention involving a 14-year-old patient assessed using five psychometric instruments: the FCR, Digit Span Subtest of the WISC-III, D2 Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), WISC-III. These tools were employed to evaluate intelligence, executive functioning, attention and concentration, emotional status, and the extent of cognitive impairment, as well as daily functional difficulties resulting from mental deterioration. Results indicated that, despite the severity of the condition, the patient demonstrated significant recovery of impaired functions, particularly through the application of metacognitive self-verbalization strategies. The establishment of a supportive and empathetic relationship between the multidisciplinary team, the patient, and the family, along with the patient’s proactive and engaged participation, played a crucial role in the rehabilitation process.