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Journal of the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment
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Brain Impairment

Brain Impairment

Brain Impairment addresses topics related to the aetiology, epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of brain impairment with a particular focus on the implications for functional status, participation, rehabilitation and quality of life. Read more about the journalMore.

Editors-in-Chief: Jennifer Fleming and Grahame Simpson

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Brain Impairment is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 29 August 2025

IB24136Disrupting hackathons: reflections on creating inclusive design events through collaboration

Peter Worthy 0000-0002-9124-1330, Dennis Frost, Trevor Hunter, India Anderson, Tim Kastelle, Janet Wiles, Nancy A. Pachana and Jacki Liddle
 

Today’s world increasingly relies on technology, but not all groups can easily shape the tools they use. We explored a new type of collaborative online design event that allowed older adults and people living with neurological conditions to meaningfully contribute to technology development, unlike traditional hackathons. By finding ways to include meaningful contribution from people with diverse needs, we can help ensure future technologies truly meet everyone’s needs.

This article belongs to the collection: Collaboration, Co-production, & Co-design: Moving Ahead in Brain Impairment.

IB24136 Abstract  |  IB24136 Full Text  | IB24136PDF (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 August 2025

IB24094Navigating the transition from hospital to community: experiences of people with acquired disability and complex needs

Ella-Rose Minter 0000-0002-3184-077X, Lee Cubis 0009-0002-8896-9117, Eve Roseingrave, Libby Witts, Di Winkler and Jacinta Douglas
 

This phenomenological study explored the lived experience of hospital discharge and transition to community for people with acquired disability and complex needs. Participants described feeling overwhelmed navigating fragmented systems and assuming new responsibilities post-discharge. Findings highlight the need for proactive and coordinated discharge planning, improved access to community-based trials of equipment and supports, and structured follow-up. Co-designed, cross-sector solutions are essential to reduce delays and support adjustment during this critical transition period.

IB24094 Abstract  |  IB24094 Full Text  | IB24094PDF (480 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 August 2025

IB24128‘I think I’d get a lot out of something where my views count and I could help other people’ – co-designing a family project-based intervention with people with lived experience of traumatic brain injury

Lynn Grayson 0000-0002-5677-5732, Marian C. Brady 0000-0002-4589-7021, Leanne Togher and Myzoon Ali
 

Including people with lived experience of brain injury in the development of a new therapy can ensure the end-product meets the needs of future users more effectively. We worked with people with communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury, and their families, to co-design a family therapy. The people taking part gave positive feedback about being involved in the research and identified ways in which the therapy could be improved. For example, making the content person-centred and easy to understand.

This article belongs to the collection: Collaboration, Co-production, & Co-design: Moving Ahead in Brain Impairment.

IB24128 Abstract  |  IB24128 Full Text  | IB24128PDF (555 KB)  | IB24128Supplementary Material (424 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 August 2025

IB24074Associations between illness perceptions, distress, self-reported cognitive difficulties and cognitive performance after mild traumatic brain injury

Deborah L. Snell 0000-0003-1664-0603, Josh W. Faulkner 0000-0001-9555-4628, Jonathan A. Williman, Noah D. Silverberg, Alice Theadom, Lois J. Surgenor and Richard J. Siegert
 

In this study, we investigated factors that might influence cognitive recovery after concussion. We found having many post-concussion symptoms and fears of nonrecovery may increase risk for persisting cognitive symptoms. Our findings may guide targeted treatment efforts focusing on factors with potential to influence cognitive symptom reporting after concussion.

IB24074 Abstract  |  IB24074 Full Text  | IB24074PDF (424 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 12 June 2025

IB24103Understanding the NDIS experience: a qualitative study on participant perspectives

Mark Brown, Kate D’Cruz 0000-0002-5155-1350, Stacey Oliver 0000-0003-0841-0795, Di Winkler and Jacinta Douglas
 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme plays a critical role in the lives of Australians with disability, aiming to enhance choice, control, and self-determination. This study found that while participants valued the opportunities enabled by their National Disability Insurance Scheme funding, they often felt frustrated by the system’s complexities and inequities, leading to a loss of trust. The importance of supportive interpersonal relationships, or ‘allies’, to successfully navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme was also emphasised.

IB24103 Abstract  |  IB24103 Full Text  | IB24103PDF (540 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 May 2025

IB24029An evidence-informed approach to discharge planning from specialist brain injury rehabilitation: a mixed method study using the PRECEDE–PROCEED model

Liana S. Cahill 0000-0002-1730-9843, Lauren J. Christie, Danielle Sansonetti, Suzanne Currie, Mithu Palit, Nita Robin Jacob, Daniella Leifer and Natasha A. Lannin 0000-0002-2066-8345
 

We used a theory-informed approach to explore problems experienced by healthcare professionals in supporting adults with acquired brain injury to transition from an inpatient rehabilitation setting to home. We found that healthcare professionals want clearer discharge pathways and checklists, clearer objectives in discharge planning meetings, and increased involvement of family and nursing staff to enable optimal discharge outcomes with individuals with acquired brain injury.

IB24029 Abstract  |  IB24029 Full Text  | IB24029PDF (876 KB)  | IB24029Supplementary Material (505 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 May 2025

IB24056Health professionals’ and consumers’ perspectives of the important features of a community brain injury rehabilitation service

Jason Bransby-Bell, Christian Minett 0009-0000-6283-0278, Liesel Jeffers, Melanie Sauer and Zoe A. Michaleff
 

Brain injury rehabilitation services have historically been evaluated and designed by healthcare administrators, executives and managers. Co-design and consumer and clinician evaluation is important to identify strategic priorities of health services into the future. The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritise features of a brain injury rehabilitation service that are important to health professionals and consumers (clients and family) in a regional area.

IB24056 Abstract  | PDF (398 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 05 May 2025

IB24114Telehealth-based assessment of cognition, social cognition, mood, and functional independence in older adults

Michelle Kelly 0000-0003-0375-816X, Michelle Kelly 0000-0003-0375-816X, Simon Mierendorff, Simon Mierendorff, Kylie Wales, Kylie Wales, Johanna Voeste, Johanna Voeste, Joanne Allen 0000-0002-5003-8088, Joanne Allen 0000-0002-5003-8088, Skye McDonald and Skye McDonald
 

Improved access to assessment of mild cognitive impairment is crucial to monitoring and care. This study used a randomised cross-over design to assess the practicality, acceptability, and adaptation of a telehealth-based screening battery among 43 volunteers aged 50+ years who completed assessments in-person and via videoconference. Findings indicate the telehealth adaptation to be practical and acceptable to older adults, with scores reliable across assessment modes.

IB24114 Abstract  |  IB24114 Full Text  |  IB24114 Full Text  | IB24114PDF (377 KB)  | IB24114Supplementary Material (171 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 April 2025

IB24092Psychological interventions for externalising behaviours following paediatric traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and clinical practice recommendations

Benjamin D. Diplock 0000-0001-8020-7228, Alexey Urusov, Alisa Torchia, Gary R. Turner and Mary E. Desrocher
 

Youth with a traumatic brain injury are at increased risk of externalising behaviours and disorders if untreated, negatively impacting their quality of life. Yet over 50% of these youth do not receive needed psychological services, and evidence-based treatments to reduce externalising behaviours are unknown. This review outlines evidence-based recommendations that may (a) help clinicians make evidence-based treatment decisions, (b) outline gaps for future research and (c) provide promise for a population with an increased risk of aggression and antisocial behaviour if untreated.

IB24092 Abstract  | PDF (551 KB) - $35.00   | IB24092Supplementary Material (216 KB)
Published online 28 April 2025

IB24125Co-design and co-production of ‘Tools for ageing well with traumatic brain injury’

Christina L. Ekegren 0000-0002-7656-6209, Candice McBain 0000-0003-1277-2211, Libby Callaway 0000-0002-3127-6312, Liz Gill, Grahame Simpson, Grainne Cruickshank, Mohit Arora and Ian D. Cameron
 

A white-haired, aged man pointing happily at an array of items above his head, which represent a healthy life.

Despite their complex health needs, there are limited targeted resources to assist people with traumatic brain injury to age well. This study used co-design and co-production methods within a five-stage design-thinking process to develop a new resource called ‘Tools for ageing well with traumatic brain injury’. This resource will help people with brain injury and their families/carers to proactively plan for ageing well with traumatic brain injury. Image credit Ingrid Hopper using adapted photograph by Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock.com.

This article belongs to the collection: Collaboration, Co-production, & Co-design: Moving Ahead in Brain Impairment.

IB24125 Abstract  |  IB24125 Full Text  | IB24125PDF (2.1 MB)  | IB24125Supplementary Material (4.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

IB24038The role of illness perceptions in post-concussive symptoms in the chronic phase after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)

Fleur Vermeer, Nikita Frankenmolen 0000-0002-6889-4552, Tobias Coppes, Janneke Schuurman and Dirk Bertens
 

Maladaptive illness perceptions are known to contribute to the development of persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. This study showed that specific perceptions (e.g. expecting a long duration of symptoms, lack of understanding the illness, emotional impact of the illness) predict the severity of post-concussive symptoms and anxiety and depression symptoms in the chronic phase (>3 months–several years) post-mild traumatic brain injury. These findings underline the importance of psychoeducation and psychotherapeutic interventions in this population.

IB24038 Abstract  | PDF (489 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 28 March 2025

IB24030Impact of communication modalities on autonomy and social participation of persons with locked-in syndrome

Marie-Christine Rousseau 0000-0002-8065-8667, Margaux Hautin, Véronique Blandin, Frédéric Pellas, Pascal Auquier, Karine Baumstarck and Sébastien Lazzarotto
 

Communication is a key point in the preservation of autonomy of locked-in syndrome persons. Only half of locked-in syndrome persons benefited from communication skills evaluation. Electronic communication tools enhance an LIS person’s social participation.

IB24030 Abstract  | PDF (416 KB) - $35.00   | IB24030Supplementary Material (185 KB)
Published online 04 March 2025

IB24019Do caregivers of traumatic brain injury survivors experience post-traumatic growth? A mixed-methods study exploring the positive experiences of informal caregivers

Molly Hillyard, Ryan Westley and Jade Kettlewell 0000-0002-6713-4551
 

Limited research exists on positive experiences of informal caregivers, especially those caring for traumatic brain injury survivors. We aimed to explore these positive changes and whether caregivers experience ‘post-traumatic growth’. Ten male caregivers completed an interview and questionnaire involving a post-traumatic growth measure, revealing deepened personal connections, strengthened spiritual beliefs, personal growth/resilience, transformed life priorities and purpose, improved coping mechanisms and emergence of new opportunities. Findings suggest growth among caregivers, warranting further research to inform targeted interventions.

IB24019 Abstract  | PDF (550 KB) - $35.00   | IB24019Supplementary Material (200 KB)

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Collaboration, Co-production, & Co-design: Moving Ahead in Brain Impairment

This collection of Brain Impairment papers highlight the latest advances in collaboration, co-production, and co-design with people who have a brain impairment. It captures the 'state of the art' in research practices that prioritise authentic involvement, from the earliest stages of idea development through to study design and implementation. The collection showcases both the successes and challenges of inclusive approaches, emphasising their critical role in producing meaningful and impactful research outcomes. Contributions span a range of brain impairment aetiologies, including brain injury, stroke, and dementia, reflecting both the capacity and generosity of people with living experience in generating increased diversity and richness in research exploring rehabilitation practices.

Collection Editors
Melissa Brunner (The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences)
Michelle Bellon (Flinders University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Disability and Community Inclusion)

Last Updated: 29 Aug 2025

Clinical Implementation to Optimise Outcomes

Research has shown it may take ~15 years for evidence to have an impact on clinical practice. Brain injury clinicians can actively contribute to closing this gap by providing invaluable insights into potential challenges faced and ensuring that the design and implementation approaches address organisational context. This collection of papers outlines the processes, frameworks, barriers, and facilitators of effective clinical implementation. They showcase high-quality examples of clinical implementation projects in a range of populations, settings, and cultures across the lifespan.

Collection Editors
Dana Wong (LaTrobe University, Australia)
Natasha Lannin (Monash University, Australia)
Sharon Kramer (Monash University, Australia)

Last Updated: 29 Oct 2024

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